Korean Media: U.S. Defense Secretary Justifies Attack on Iran, Citing North Korea as Cautionary Tale… "North Korea Is the Lesson"
¬ Appearing before Congress, Engaging in Heated Debate with Democratic Lawmakers… Trump: Iran Is Like a Pig Choking to Death
On the 29th, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran’s ambitions regarding nuclear weapons are “a strategic mirror of North Korea.” That day, he attended a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, responding to questions from Democratic Whip Adam Smith. He said, “Iran still harbors nuclear ambitions.” He emphasized that even though U.S. military strikes in June 2025 completely destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities underground, “they still retain nuclear aspirations and are actively building conventional defense networks”—a strategy mirroring North Korea’s path toward nuclear capability.
He stressed that North Korea developed conventional missile interception systems to defend against external attacks while conducting long-term, secretive nuclear weapons development—exactly what Iran is now emulating. Therefore, a large-scale military strike against Iran is necessary. He declared, “President Trump seized Iran’s most vulnerable moment and took action alongside Israel—something only the United States could accomplish.” He claimed that if Iran ever acquires nuclear weapons, it will certainly use them: “North Korea is the lesson.” He pointed out that during the Clinton administration, North Korea acquired a large number of ballistic missiles, using them as a shield to threaten both regional and global stability, declaring, “[We will possess nuclear weapons; you have no response].”
The hearing was the first public session following the February 28 military operation against Iran. Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine appeared together. Hegseth stated that the Department of Defense’s proposed budget of $1.5 trillion (approximately KRW 223 trillion) “reflects current tensions,” and would be used to support U.S. military personnel and their families, ensure national security, modernize equipment, rebuild the defense industrial base, and increase military pay. He added, “This budget is historic, fiscally responsible, and also a war-supporting budget.” While domestic U.S. public opinion strongly opposes the situation in Iran, he responded, “The President made a decisive choice for Americans. If people understand the true nature of the threat, I believe the public will support this decision.”
He also engaged in a heated exchange with Democratic lawmakers from the opposition party. He said, “Our greatest challenge and enemy right now is the reckless, irresponsible defeatist rhetoric being spread by some Democratic and Republican members of Congress.” Democratic Congressman John Garamendi accused Hegseth of lying to Americans “from day one of the war,” just as Trump did. He condemned the conflict as a “political and economic disaster” that has plunged the U.S. into a quagmire. In response, Hegseth retorted, “It’s been only two months since the war began—calling it a quagmire is embarrassing. It gives propaganda ammunition to our enemies. You should be ashamed. Whose side are you really on?”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, speaking in a phone interview with Axios on the same day, said, “Blocking the Strait of Hormuz is more effective than bombing. They [Iran] are like a pig choking to death—things will get worse for them. They will never obtain nuclear weapons.” He claimed Iran seeks a deal to lift the maritime blockade, stating, “They want to solve the problem,” but added, “I don’t want them to have nuclear weapons, so I won’t lift the blockade.” Trump repeatedly emphasized that the maritime blockade has cut off Iran’s crude oil exports, and that oil storage facilities and pipelines are “on the verge of explosion.”
Source: JoongAng Ilbo
Original: toutiao.com/article/1863875047478409/
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