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Pentagon Chief Hegseth Near Job Loss Over Iran, USS Lincoln

8/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is reportedly on the verge of losing his job, according to anonymous sources.
Sources attribute the risk to a deadlock over Iran and to crew concerns on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has faced food shortages and poor sanitation.
The uncertainty arises as U.S.-China defence ties improve to the level seen after President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping met in Beijing in May.

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Story summary

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is reportedly on the verge of losing his job, according to anonymous sources.
Sources attribute the risk to a deadlock over Iran and to crew concerns on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has faced food shortages and poor sanitation.
The uncertainty arises as U.S.-China defence ties improve to the level seen after President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping met in Beijing in May.