Joe Scarborough Challenges Pete Hegseth’s Claims on Iran War in Live Fact-Check Segment

On Friday morning, Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s 'Morning Joe', live-fact-checked a recent press briefing by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding the ongoing war in Iran. Scarborough challenged multiple claims made by Hegseth, labeling several as inaccurate.

During the briefing, Hegseth stated that the U.S. Navy’s blockade against Iran had expanded globally. He also addressed concerns about Iran potentially planting additional mines in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that such actions would violate the current ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Additionally, Hegseth claimed that the war had been a success, predicting that Iran would not possess nuclear weapons by its conclusion.

Scarborough responded to Hegseth’s remarks, acknowledging some valid points but disputing others.

"He accurately said there have been great military successes and that America’s military is unmatched in the world," Scarborough noted. "He inaccurately said that there’s been a clear mission objective from the very beginning. That’s just not the case."

Scarborough also highlighted Hegseth’s claim that Iran would not have nuclear weapons by the end of the war, emphasizing its significance.

"I’m putting a star by the fact that Pete Hegseth has said this morning, ‘Iran will not have nuclear weapons.’ Anything short of that and short of the Strait being opened when this war ends will be an abject failure for this administration. If they are able to take away Iran’s nuclear weapons and open the Strait, then most likely a success."

Further, Scarborough took issue with Hegseth’s assertion that previous U.S. presidential administrations had failed to address Iran’s regime over the past four decades.

"That’s just not true at all," Scarborough stated. "Seven administrations have talked about the dangers that Iran poses to the world. Seven administrations have also understood that going to war could cause the exact economic problems globally that are being caused right now."

Scarborough also criticized Hegseth’s comment about European leaders needing to take direct action, such as boarding ships, to assist in addressing Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.

"It’s fascinating that he mocks and ridicules our allies in Europe that helped us destroy the Soviet Union," Scarborough remarked. "This is something the administration is obsessed with, their hatred of Europe, their hatred of Western democracy, their hatred of the very people that helped us defeat the Soviet Union and also many who fought side by side with us to destroy Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan."

He added,

"Interesting timing to talk about how Europe does nothing but conduct fancy cocktail parties the morning after 90 billion euros of aid [were] given to Ukraine because this administration continues to do nothing to help the Ukrainian people push back the Russians."