U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth appears increasingly isolated and challenged in his management of the war against Iran, which has turned into an economic showdown. He is engaged in a silent struggle against the military hierarchy, clashes with media outlets questioning his triumphant vision, and is carrying out dismissals of general officers and high-ranking officials without clear explanations. The Pentagon, in the midst of war, communicates very little as critical ammunition stocks are depleted and military spending increases considerably. Although he remains the public face of an unpopular war, his only major support is from President Donald Trump, a fragile position within a cabinet where presidential favor can change rapidly.