Defense Secretary Hegseth Spotted Relaxing in Florida as Iran Tensions Escalate

Photos show Hegseth enjoying a beachside brunch with Dr. Oz as reports swirl of a potential U.S. military strike on Iran.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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As tensions with Iran escalate and reports suggest President Trump is considering a military strike, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was spotted relaxing and enjoying a beachside brunch with Dr. Mehmet Oz in Palm Beach, Florida. Photos show Hegseth and Oz dining on Mediterranean fare and engaging in leisurely activities like tree pull-ups and a cold plunge, raising questions about the Defense Secretary's priorities as a potential conflict looms.

Why it matters

The Defense Secretary's apparent lack of urgency over the Iran situation has raised concerns, as an escalation of tensions could have significant geopolitical and domestic political ramifications for the U.S. The photos of Hegseth relaxing in Florida contrast sharply with reports that President Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with the ongoing nuclear talks and may be considering military action.

The details

The photos, posted by Dr. Oz on X, show Hegseth and Oz engaging in various activities at Oz's Palm Beach residence, including dipping their hands in a tub of water, Hegseth doing pull-ups from a palm tree, and the two men dining on a spread of Mediterranean dips and other foods. The images suggest Hegseth was enjoying a leisurely afternoon while the potential for war with Iran was building.

  • On Wednesday, February 19, 2026, the same day reports surfaced that President Trump was considering a military strike on Iran.
  • Last week, President Trump made clear he was prepared to escalate pressure on Iran over its nuclear program, saying 'Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time.'

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Defense Secretary, who previously worked as a commentator for Fox News and served in the National Guard.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

The former host of The Dr. Oz Show, who is now the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) chief.

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old President of the United States, who is reportedly growing weary of the ongoing nuclear talks with Iran and may be considering military action.

Steve Witkoff

President Trump's special envoy, a former real estate mogul with no prior diplomatic experience, who led the U.S. delegation for negotiations over Iran's nuclear deal in Geneva on Tuesday.

Jared Kushner

President Trump's son-in-law, who is married to the president's daughter Ivanka, and also participated in the Iran nuclear deal negotiations in Geneva.

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What they’re saying

“He can turn a leisurely afternoon into a MAHA extravaganza with tree pull-ups, a cold plunge, and a Mediterranean feast!”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) chief (X)

“The boss is getting fed up. Some people around him warn him against going to war with Iran, but I think there is 90 percent chance we see kinetic action in the next few weeks.”

— One Trump adviser (Axios)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.