Gen. Hertling Reveals the Staggering Damage Trump Is Hiding in Iran

Hegseth’s Proposed Livestream of Nidal Hasan’s Execution

Sam Stein and retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement that the Fort Hood shooter’s execution by firing squad would be broadcast publicly.

Hertling said military executions already have established procedures and that turning one into a spectacle would violate basic moral principles. He questioned who would carry out the firing squad, warning that ordering soldiers to participate could cause moral injury. Both argued that a public execution would not deter future attacks and could inflame extremist sentiment. Hertling characterized the proposal as performative bravado rather than a serious security measure.

Iran Conflict and Risk of Escalation

The discussion described the conflict as stalled, with the United States maintaining a blockade while Iran seeks to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the U.S. would not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, while claiming that talks were productive and oil was moving through the strait in record volumes.

Hertling suggested military planners may have urged caution: further strikes could raise energy prices and widen the conflict, including by drawing in the Houthis. He noted that regional instability—including threats to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—could have consequences well beyond Iran.

Footage of Strikes on U.S. Facilities

Referring to footage obtained by CBS, Hertling described drone attacks on Camp Buehring in Kuwait and damage to a U.S. Navy operations center in Bahrain. He said these sites were important staging, headquarters, and logistics facilities, but were not heavily fortified. Their destruction could disrupt operations and require relocating personnel and equipment, followed by costly reconstruction.

The War’s Estimated Cost

Hertling argued that the Pentagon’s reported $43.6 billion estimate likely understates the overall damage. He cited the cost of munitions, including Tomahawk missiles, air-defense interceptors, and other precision weapons, as well as the expense of replacing weapons supplied to regional partners.

He also pointed to damage to radar installations, civilian infrastructure, and military aircraft. According to reports, 81 aircraft were destroyed, including Reaper drones, F-15s, tanker aircraft, and helicopters. Hertling concluded that the full cost could be substantially higher than the public estimate.

Presenters and Contributors

• Sam Stein
• Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.)