Washington sources say President Donald Trump is considering firing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe because both strongly oppose a developing agreement with Iran. The reported decision could come in the next few days, amid what officials describe as severe tensions inside the administration.
The rift became public after Hegseth commented on an Israeli strike in Beirut, saying on CBS News that “Israel was very restrained in its response” and adding, “from everything I know, we are on the right track” toward a deal with Iran. Trump, by contrast, dismissed the fire toward Israel as minor and sharply criticized the Beirut strike, a position that appeared to directly contradict his defense secretary.
The dispute also centers on the ceasefire’s status. IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Dan Caine presented data showing Iran had carried out more than 10 attacks on U.S. forces since the ceasefire took effect, but Hegseth continued to insist that “the ceasefire is definitely holding.”
The article says the tensions are part of a broader pattern of disagreements over Iran policy in recent weeks. Hegseth, previously seen as one of Trump’s closest allies, recently visited U.S. troops in the war zone and told them, “I saw motivation there. The American warrior spirit was unleashed.” Washington sources say Trump sees Hegseth and Ratcliffe’s resistance as a major obstacle to his diplomatic push with Tehran, while the White House has not publicly commented and internal discussions are ongoing.
