Iranian Protesters Should Stay Home While We’re Bombing, Says Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iranian protesters have shown “a lot of courage” in challenging the Iranian government but cautioned that demonstrations should not take place while military strikes are ongoing.

Hegseth said it was “common sense” for civilians in Iran to avoid protesting while bombs are falling in Tehran and other areas during the ongoing conflict.

He credited President Donald Trump with reopening what he described as an opportunity for those seeking to challenge the Iranian government.

According to Hegseth, ongoing military actions by the United States and Israel are targeting forces responsible for suppressing protesters.

He argued that weakening those capabilities could eventually create the conditions for people in Iran to “boldly stand up” when the timing is right.