Trump Seriously Considering Strikes on Iran as Hegseth's Fate Hangs in the Balance

Sources familiar with the matter told Fox News on Thursday that the White House is seriously considering the option of launching new US military strikes against Iran, at a time when the fate of the Pentagon chief hangs in the balance.

The sources noted that the option of US strikes against Iran could pose an obstacle to changing the leadership of the US Department of War (the Pentagon), amid talk of ousting Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The sources believed that "appointing new leadership while the administration is considering additional military operations could create uncertainty at a critical moment, especially since Hegseth has already shown readiness to act quickly to implement President Trump's military directives."

A source told the network that election results "would have looked completely different without the Iran war," predicting that Trump would ultimately hold Hegseth, the former Fox News anchor, accountable, noting that "this will become clear during the transition period."

In the context of discussing Hegseth's future, a former White House employee told the network that "Hegseth is now hanging by a thread," as he put it.

An administration official stated that there are "indicators" suggesting the possibility of dismissing Hegseth, but added that "Trump might suddenly change his mind."

The official clarified that this possibility had been under discussion for some time, although "only Trump knows what he will do."

The official said: "It was clear that Bessent became the go-to person after Pete failed to achieve a victory regarding Iran," referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led the sanctions campaign against Iran known as "Operation Economic Outcast."

Alongside the file of the war with Iran, Hegseth also adopted a plan to broadcast the execution of Nidal Hasan - the former Army major who killed 13 people and injured 32 others at Fort Hood in 2009 - online.

This proposal met with opposition from both parties, prompting Trump to eventually cancel the idea of a live broadcast, while maintaining the decision to execute Nidal Hasan.

Trump had told reporters earlier on Wednesday that whether or not the war affected midterm election results, Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

He added that he would not have done anything differently than what he did in Iran, stating: "We destroyed their military capabilities."

A foreign policy source with ties to Hegseth expressed doubts in a statement to the network that the Secretary would remain in his position until the end of the year.

The source noted that efforts by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky to introduce impeachment proceedings against Hegseth could place Republicans - who are planning to contest the 2028 elections - before a choice that forces them to "bear the consequences of voting for Hegseth."

On Wednesday, Trump defended Hegseth, affirming that he is doing "a very good job," at a time when current and former administration figures continue to question how long Hegseth can stay in his position following the harsh losses suffered by Republicans in the midterm elections.

This public support came one day after Democrats managed to secure a majority in both chambers of Congress during the midterm elections held on Tuesday, paving the way for a shift in the balance of power inside Capitol Hill in January.

The war with Iran and its economic repercussions occupied a significant portion of the elections, with Hegseth being among the loudest voices within the administration defending this campaign.

However, his future in the position remains subject to speculation among current and former administration figures, despite the public support shown by Trump.