WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth brings Christian language into the Pentagon as the U.S. and Israel wage war against Iran. He has called Iran’s leaders “religious fanatics” and quoted a biblical Psalm about war. Critics warn his frequent Christian rhetoric can fuel Iranian ho stility and strain the military’s secular role. Hegseth has also defended the Crusades and has crusader-themed tattoos. A watchdog group claims U.S. commanders frame the war as biblical prophecy, but The Associated Press cannot verify those allegations. Hegseth has pushed policy changes that reflect his Christian views, including a revamp of the military chaplain corps. ...read more read less