US-led attacks on Iran escalate, Hegseth defends 'unfair war'
US-led airstrikes on Iran continue, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stating the attacks are 'never meant to be a fair fight' and 'punching them while they're down'. Hegseth, a 45-year-old Princeton graduate and former military leader, made the comments after a bombing, describing the destruction as 'death and destruction from the sky all day long'. The attacks follow claims Iran rebuilt its nuclear program, though US intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard testified Iran's nuclear capability was 'obliterated' in June 2025. Critics argue the strikes aim to force regime change and control Iran's vast oil reserves (208.6 billion barrels) and gas reserves (32-34 trillion cubic metres), following the US invasion of Venezuela's oil-rich territory. Hegseth's controversial background includes accusations of rape, financial mismanagement, and extreme religious views, which the Senate confirmed 50-50 before his appointment. The attacks coincide with Western Europe's alleged support for Iran's destruction, according to the article. For Nigerians, the conflict could impact global oil prices and security, given Nigeria's reliance on oil exports and reserves (48.3 billion barrels). What should Nigerians know? The conflict's oil motives and Hegseth's background may signal broader geopolitical struggles affecting global energy markets.