Pentagon Polygraph Campaign Targets Joint Staff Amid Iran Conflict Concerns

Reporting indicates that the U.S. Department of Defense compelled roughly 50 members of the military’s Joint Staff to undergo polygraph examinations. The examinations were intended to identify any officers who may have disclosed classified details about the United States’ confrontation with Iran. Officials described the effort as unprecedented in scope, noting that senior officers were “strapped into polygraph machines” and questioned about leaks concerning shortages of long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors.

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The polygraph drive follows a broader backdrop in which President Donald Trump ordered an unapproved strike against Iran more than six months ago. A recent U.S. intelligence assessment warned that Iran is preparing for a protracted conflict with the United States, believing it can exacerbate the president’s political challenges ahead of the midterm elections. The assessment suggested Iran might intensify attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East and target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

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• Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense, under whose tenure multiple senior military officials have been removed.

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• Donald J. Guter, Ret. Rear Admiral – Former senior officer who noted the unprecedented breadth of the polygraph program.

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Analysts estimate that American drivers have paid an additional $71.5 billion for gasoline since the conflict began, reflecting higher energy prices after Iran restricted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20 % of global oil supplies. Data from the American Automobile Association show that the average U.S. diesel price has risen to a record $5.88 per gallon.

Common Dreams

Defense officials have described the polygraph campaign as a measure to “ferret out” potential leakers and to deter future disclosures. Retired Rear Admiral Guter characterized the approach as “unprecedented” at such senior levels. The initiative has reportedly heightened an atmosphere of distrust and paranoia within the Pentagon, according to sources familiar with the internal environment.

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