WASHINGTON D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has expressed his displeasure over recent leaks from the Pentagon regarding the effectiveness of U.S. military strikes on Iran. The leaked intelligence, reported by CNN and The New York Times, suggests that the strikes were less damaging than initially claimed by Trump and his administration.
Immediate Impact
The intelligence report, which surfaced while Trump was attending a NATO summit in the Netherlands, indicated that the strikes only partially damaged their targets and are expected to delay Iran’s nuclear program by just a few months. In response, Trump has launched a series of attacks against the media, particularly targeting CNN and The New York Times, accusing them of spreading “fake news.”
Key Details Emerge
In a series of posts on his Truth Social account, Trump called for the firing of journalists from these outlets, labeling them as “bad people with evil intentions.” He also teased an early-morning press conference featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who defended the strikes during a heated exchange with the press.
Defense Secretary’s Response
During the press conference, Hegseth criticized the media’s coverage, questioning why the complexity and success of the operation were not being celebrated. He described the mission to bomb Iranian nuclear sites as “the most complex and secretive military operation in history.”
“How about we celebrate that?” Hegseth asked. “How about we talk about how successful America is, that only we have these capabilities?”
Industry Response
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have also defended the administration’s actions, dismissing the leaked report’s findings. Hegseth’s remarks have been echoed by other officials, who continue to support Trump’s narrative of a highly successful military operation.
By the Numbers
The intelligence report suggests the strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months.
Background Context
The controversy stems from Trump’s previous hints about potential U.S. military action, which some believe may have alerted Iran to move its uranium stockpiles. A source told Rolling Stone that Trump is particularly sensitive to reports suggesting that the strikes were not as effective as claimed.
Expert Analysis
According to a Trump adviser, the administration’s current efforts to control the narrative are reminiscent of past exaggerations, such as the claim about the size of Trump’s inauguration crowd. The adviser noted that the administration’s aggressive response to the leak is part of a broader crackdown on intelligence disclosures.
“We are declaring a war on leakers,” a senior White House official told Axios.
What Comes Next
The ongoing investigation into the source of the leak is expected to intensify, with the FBI involved in determining how classified information was disclosed to the media. Meanwhile, Trump and his allies continue to assert that the strikes were a resounding success, despite the conflicting reports.
As the situation develops, the administration’s strategy appears focused on reinforcing its narrative while addressing internal security breaches. The coming weeks may reveal more about the operation’s true impact and the administration’s handling of sensitive information.
