Pete Hegseth claims Trump is ‘finishing’ war with Iran as conflict widens; fourth US service member confirmed killed – US politics live

Defense secretary says that for ‘47 long years’ Iranian regime has waged ‘savage, one-sided war against America’ and says four Americans have been ‘lost thus far’

• Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox

While speaking today, Pete Hegseth acknowledged the fourth US service member killed in Iran’s counterattacks.

“War is hell and always will be,” he said. “Our grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far and those injured – the absolute best of America.”