Trump and Hegseth Slam 'Fake News' Over Doubts on Iran Nuclear Strikes

In a fiery press conference at the NATO summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth unleashed a scathing critique of certain U.S. media outlets, accusing them of downplaying the impact of recent American military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump, fresh from wrapping up his summit engagements in the Netherlands, read a statement from Israel’s Atomic Energy Commission, emphasizing that the strikes on the Fordow facility had devastated critical infrastructure, rendering it inoperable and setting back Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years.

The President didn’t hold back, branding media skepticism as the work of 'fake news' and expressing frustration over reports that questioned the severity of the strikes he ordered last Saturday. He highlighted the personal toll on the pilots who carried out the mission, noting their devastation at seeing their heroic efforts minimized by negative coverage. Trump passionately defended the military, praising the courage of those who flew from Missouri to execute a mission that he described as a resounding success.

Joining the chorus, Hegseth condemned the instinct of some outlets to spin the narrative for political gain, disregarding the bravery of the troops who risked their lives in enemy territory. He underscored the complexity and valor of a 36-hour operation that aimed to neutralize a significant threat to global security.

Trump’s announcement of the strikes via a surprise social media post last weekend, followed by a national address, reiterated his administration’s stance that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were 'completely obliterated.' He framed the action as a necessary response to decades of hostility from Iran, urging the nation to seek peace or face even greater consequences. Meanwhile, White House officials have pushed back against conflicting reports, accusing anonymous sources of leaking misleading information to undermine the President and discredit the military’s achievements.

This clash between the administration and parts of the media highlights a deeper tension over narratives of national security and military success. As more intelligence emerges, the true impact of these strikes will continue to shape discourse on U.S.-Iran relations and the broader Middle East landscape.