US defence chief ends Iran war briefing with prayer for troops

In a Pentagon briefing on March 10, 2026, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth concluded a briefing about the US military campaign against Iran with a prayer for American troops. The prayer requested strength and protection for the soldiers involved in the conflict. This action follows criticism directed towards American and Israeli officials who have been accused of framing the campaign against Iran as a religious war. The briefing provided an update on the ongoing military actions, and Hegseth's prayer has drawn attention given the sensitive nature of the conflict and accusations of religious undertones. The prayer occurred at the end of the briefing.