Pete Hegseth on ‘SNL’: Iran Is a ‘Situationship,’ Not War

This past weekend, “Saturday Night Live” returned with a fresh take on political satire. In a notable shift, Colin Jost stepped into the role of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, taking over from James Austin Johnson’s usual portrayal of former President Donald Trump. This sketch tackled the complex relationship between the U.S. and Iran.

Pete Hegseth and the ‘Situationship’ with Iran

During the opening sketch, Jost humorously critiqued U.S. military actions in Iran. He metaphorically described the conflict as a “situationship” rather than a war. Jost quipped, “Whoever called this a war, except maybe the president?” He added, “We’re just going to hook up, we’re going to see where it goes.”

• Insightful Humor: Jost compared military tactics to a breathalyzer, claiming the U.S. was “blowing it the hell up.”
• Playful Imagery: He jokingly mentioned the U.S. navy causing Iran’s ships to sing “Under the Sea.”

Sketch Highlights

This episode was hosted by actor Ryan Gosling, featuring musical guest Gorillaz. A standout moment included Gosling’s interaction with Harry Styles, next week’s host, which led to an impromptu rendition of Styles’s hit song “Sign of the Times.”

Other Sketches and Updates

Kristi Noem, portrayed by Ashley Padilla, humorously addressed her recent departure as homeland security secretary. She humorously declared, “I didn’t get fired. I self-deported.” In this sketch, Padilla famously concluded with a playful twist, saying, “The work is never done.”

During the Weekend Update segment, Jost and co-anchor Michael Che continued to riff on Noem’s dismissal. They quipped about her controversial actions and her portrayal as the least favored member of the Trump administration. Che’s humorous suggestion of her reassignment was particularly biting, linking it to an absurd new department.

Weekend Update Jokes

• Jost commented on Noem’s controversial record, asking, “Name one to 20 things she did wrong?”
• Che joked about President Trump’s intention to select Iran’s next supreme leader, humorously referring to Jared Kushner in this context.

This episode of “SNL” exemplified the show’s ability to blend humor with insightful commentary, particularly in relation to contemporary political issues. The creative team continues to engage audiences with timely satire, making sharp observations about the U.S. and its complex dealings with foreign nations like Iran.