Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has been criticised for framing the war in Iran as divinely sanctioned, with his personal pastor delivering sermons at the Pentagon that suggest God controls the outcome of missile strikes. The conflict, which reached a temporary ceasefire on Tuesday after six weeks, has seen Hegseth repeatedly invoke 'God's almighty providence' and call for prayer 'in the name of Jesus Christ'.
Critics point to the 28 February bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, Iran, which killed more than 175 people, mostly children. A preliminary US military investigation suggests American responsibility, but neither President Donald Trump nor Hegseth has expressed remorse. Instead, Hegseth has promised 'no quarter' to the 'barbaric savages' of the Iranian regime.
Hegseth's religious views stem from an obscure Calvinist branch of evangelical Christianity that believes in predestination—that God directs everything that happens. Julie Ingersoll, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Florida, said this theology could justify even the bombing of a school, citing biblical passages where God orders genocide.
The defence secretary's aggressive rhetoric has raised questions about whether the US is pursuing a holy war. With Crusader tattoos and disdain for diplomacy, Hegseth has been accused of convincing Trump to start a war to complete the unfinished business of the Crusades. Pope Leo rebuked such violence on Palm Sunday, saying God ignores prayers from those with 'hands full of blood'.
