{"id":661035,"date":"2026-05-23T20:10:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T20:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/661035\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T20:10:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T20:10:14","slug":"defense-secretary-pete-hegseth-tells-u-s-military-academy-graduates-at-west-point-theyre-ready-for-war","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/661035\/","title":{"rendered":"Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tells U.S. Military Academy graduates at West Point they\u2019re \u2018ready\u2019 for war"},"content":{"rendered":"

In his first official visit to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reassured graduating cadets they are prepared for war \u2014\u00a0though he did not specifically mention the unpopular U.S. war in Iran<\/a> \u2014\u00a0and railed against diversity efforts in the military.<\/p>\n

The speech came as a prolonged stalemate between the U.S. and Iran reached a crescendo, with President Donald Trump rearranging his Memorial Day weekend schedule<\/a> to stay at the White House with signs pointing to the possibility of a resumption of military action.<\/p>\n

Hegseth gave an oblique nod to the conflict during his commencement address, noting that the graduates \u201care stepping into the arena at a time when the stakes could not be higher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sending you to lead, we\u2019re sending you to forge warriors, and we are sending you, perhaps, to war, and you are ready,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

After Hegseth\u2019s speech concluded, Axios reported<\/a> that Trump told a reporter in a phone call that he\u2019s \u201c50-50\u201d on reaching a deal with Iran or resuming the war.<\/p>\n

\u201cEither we reach a good deal or I\u2019ll blow them to a thousand hells,\u201d the reporter quoted Trump as saying, adding that the president said he will meet with senior advisors Saturday and may make a decision by Sunday.<\/p>\n

Axios also reported<\/a> that Trump will hold a conference call with Gulf leaders at 1 p.m. E.T. to discuss the situation with Iran, citing two sources with knowledge of the situation.<\/p>\n

As Hegeth spoke, Trump posted on Truth Social<\/a> a map of the Middle East with Iran painted over with the American flag. The graphic read: \u201cUnited States of the Middle East?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Earlier Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters there\u2019s been \u201csome progress made\u201d on the U.S. demands that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and that the country not have the capability to develop a nuclear weapons. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere might be some news a little later today,\u201d Rubio said. \u201cThere may not be. I hope there will be, but I\u2019m not sure yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Friday, Hegseth and Trump reportedly met in the Oval Office to discuss military options for potentially resuming the bombing of Iran, The New York Times reported<\/a>. The president announced on Friday that he would skip his son Donald Jr.\u2019s wedding celebration in the Bahamas this weekend, citing in a statement \u201ccircumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trump, whose approval ratings have plummeted<\/a> because of the war he is waging jointly against Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicated Iran would be a top priority this weekend.<\/p>\n

\tRecommended<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJulianne McShane<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJulianne McShane is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW who also covers the politics of abortion and reproductive rights. You can send her tips from a non-work device on Signal at jmcshane.19 or follow her on X or Bluesky.\t\t<\/p>\n

\"MS<\/p>\n

\u00a9\u00a02026 Versant Media, LLC<\/p>\n

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