As the US-Iran conflict continues to expand, Western media attention is increasingly focused on the behavior of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, The Guardian reports.

The British outlet notes that Hegseth has become a central figure in shaping the Pentagon's military rhetoric and strategic posture, raising concerns among military experts, veterans and civil society representatives.

The paper notes that Hegseth, a former Fox News host and army veteran, displays an aggressive, ostentatiously "combat" style that critics say insufficiently reflects the strategic depth and moral responsibility required to lead military operations in a complex international conflict.

"In his public statements, Hegseth has repeatedly used sharp language to describe the operation as comprehensive and uncompromising, emphasizing American air superiority. At Pentagon press conferences, he has avoided specific answers about the operation's end goals and stressed that the war will be waged decisively and without 'stupid rules of engagement' — raising concerns among experts who criticize the politicization of military leadership," The Guardian emphasizes.

Several official comments also suggest Hegseth does not rule out sending American troops into Iran, though he publicly speaks of not wanting to involve ground forces for an extended period.

Critics argue that this style of rhetoric — more characteristic of political talk shows than a Pentagon chief — risks reinforcing the perception of the war as an ideological campaign rather than a strictly military operation, potentially alienating allies and escalating regional tensions.