US President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused sections of the American media of helping Iran through their reporting on the ongoing conflict, claiming that some coverage amounted to “virtual TREASON.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised what he described as “Fake News” outlets for reporting that Iran had inflicted damage on US military forces and facilities.
Trump Says Reports Are Helping the Enemy
Trump argued that media portrayals of Iranian military success were false and harmful to US interests.
He claimed such reporting was “aiding and abetting the enemy” by giving Iran “false hope.”
The president also accused some American journalists and commentators of rooting against the United States during wartime.
Trump Claims Iranian Military Has Been Destroyed
Trump further asserted that American and Israeli military operations had devastated Iran’s armed forces and infrastructure.
According to Trump, Iran’s navy had been destroyed, its air force eliminated and much of its military technology wiped out during the conflict.
He also described Iran as facing severe economic collapse.
Reports Suggest Wider Damage to US Facilities
Trump’s comments followed several American media reports suggesting Iranian strikes may have caused more extensive damage to US facilities in the Gulf region than previously acknowledged.
A report by The Washington Post, citing satellite imagery analysis, stated that Iranian attacks had damaged roughly 228 structures and pieces of equipment connected to US military installations across the Middle East since the conflict began on February 28.
Administration Intensifies Criticism of Media Coverage
The latest remarks are part of a broader campaign by Trump and senior administration officials against American news organisations over their reporting on the war.
According to CNN, Trump allegedly pushed the US Department of Justice to issue subpoenas to journalists covering the conflict in an effort to identify confidential sources.
CNN cited unnamed officials familiar with the matter.
Debate Grows Over True Impact of the Conflict
The dispute reflects growing scrutiny over the scale of the war and conflicting narratives regarding the effectiveness of Iranian strikes on American assets in the region.
Questions continue to emerge over the long-term military, economic and political consequences of the conflict for both Washington and Tehran.
