Quill Lawrence

He said the Trump administration prefers a negotiated settlement but would not rule out using ground troops.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

You know, you're never going to win long term on anger.

Hegseth visited troops over the weekend.

He said morale was high and the U.S.

is rapidly building bunkers to protect troops and aircraft from Iranian strikes.

Hegseth echoed President Trump's claim that Iran's new leadership is now more moderate.

Many Iran experts believe it's more hardline.

Hegseth said opening the Strait of Hormuz and rocketing worldwide oil prices are not America's problem.

He said the Trump administration prefers a negotiated settlement but would not rule out using ground troops.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

A U.S.

official not authorized to speak publicly has confirmed to NPR that two E-3 Sentry aircraft were damaged in the Iranian missile and drone attack on Friday.

The E-3 Sentries are known as AWACS, which stands for Airborne Warning and Control System Aircraft, and are crucial along with U.S.

drones and satellites to de-conflicting friendly aircraft and detecting threats.

Iran appears to have targeted the planes precisely where they sat, uncovered at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Also, the official confirmed that the number of wounded service members has grown since initial reports, including several injuries described as serious.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

Since he took office, Pete Hegseth has fired many prominent black and female officers.

Now, U.S.