Hegseth Leads Christian Service at Pentagon Amid Iran War

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a monthly Christian worship service at the Pentagon on Wednesday, delivering a prayer that called for precision and force in military actions amid the ongoing Iran war. The event, attended by civilian employees and uniformed personnel, marked the first such gathering since the conflict escalated.

Hegseth addressed the group, stating, "Every month it is fitting to be right here. All the more fitting this month, at this moment, given what tens of thousands of Americans are doing right now." He recited a prayer attributed to a military chaplain during the 2024 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, invoking, "Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation. Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy." The service, which was livestreamed, also featured a reading from the Psalms: "I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed." Hegseth concluded the prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.

The gathering reflects Hegseth's practice of...