Story perspectives

Congressman Critiques Defense Secretary Over Iran Briefings

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. James Walkinshaw (D) says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struggles with detailed questions in classified Iran briefings, calling him 'over his head' and reading from a script.
Walkinshaw notes Hegseth's statements contain contradictions on war duration and media tensions.
Officials banned press photographers from briefings after unflattering photos.
Joe Kent, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned after stating Iran posed no imminent threat, highlighting fractures in the administration.

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Story summary

Rep. James Walkinshaw (D) says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struggles with detailed questions in classified Iran briefings, calling him 'over his head' and reading from a script.
Walkinshaw notes Hegseth's statements contain contradictions on war duration and media tensions.
Officials banned press photographers from briefings after unflattering photos.
Joe Kent, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned after stating Iran posed no imminent threat, highlighting fractures in the administration.