Hegseth Denies American Presence in Iran: 'We're Only Going to Karosta to See How to Properly Build Defense'

US Defense Secretary Hegseth yesterday at a press conference categorically denied any American ground forces presence in Iran. "No," he refused with such conviction that even Riga residents don't have when claiming their city is the capital.

"We will go as far as necessary," Hegseth added, apparently referring to US Army plans to visit Liepāja's Karosta and learn there how to properly organize military infrastructure. Because, as we know, our Karosta is the only place in the world where a fortress has survived tsars, Soviet times, and even Russian tourists.

"I heard there's not a single American in Iran," says Karosta resident Jānis, who every morning sees some suspicious foreigners with maps walking through his yard. "But here in Karosta, they come every week - looking at our fortifications and marveling that we still live here without a war."

Meanwhile in Riga, military experts are trying to understand why the US is even interested in the Middle East when the world has Liepāja with its unique military heritage and a tram that runs faster than any tank.