The myth of the 'masculine manly military vs. The gay inclusive loser military' should have been fully laid to rest by the Ukraine war. The Russian military is all male with homosexuals banned and they try to project a reputation of unfazed toughness. But they have, both now and historically have underperformed in military operations. The Ukrainian military, which allows women and is significantly more diverse and inclusive, has overperformed, by contrast.

Pete Hegseth's idea of running the military is based on entirely on puffery and talk. He is inept, incompetent, and cannot manage anything. All he can do is talk and take cheap shots that destroy any trust in the US internationally, like sinking the Iranian warship returning from exercises with the US and others.

Even in wartime there are agreements, written and unwritten, that govern behavior. During WW2 the Japanese did not attack the US supply ships going across the North Pacific to supply the USSR even though they were also at war with the USSR.

He thinks there are no rules, while Iran, despite being fairly brutal towards their own people, are highly restrained in their military attacks on their enemies, when they absolutely could be brutal and murderous if they wanted.

The US military is also being led by a pathetic TV show host obsessed with testosterone therapy.

so Cuba shouldn't breathe a sigh of relief just yet

True.

It's not unlikely Trump will be looking for a smaller (and weaker appearing) target that the Americans can pick on and actually beat.