The phrase “no quarter” has come under scrutiny after remarks by Pete Hegseth, the United States Secretary of Defence, who said during a Pentagon briefing that the United States would continue military operations with “no quarter, no mercy for our enemies” while referring to strikes against Iran. The statement came amid escalating tensions following the reported sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena by a United States Navy submarine on March 4, in which more than 80 sailors were reported killed. If the U.S. Defence Secretary signals that “no quarter” will be given to adversaries, he effectively strips his own soldiers of their protections if they are captured. When a civilian leader uses “no quarter” rhetoric, they are asking soldiers to switch off their moral and legal compass. No quarter means kill every person considered an enemy, even if he is hors de combat (incapable of fighting due to injuries) or has even surrendered.

Source: The Hindu March 16, 2026 11:12 UTC