US Defence Chief Hegseth Slams Media Over Iran War Coverage
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched a fierce attack on the media, accusing journalists of failing to portray the US military campaign against Iran in a positive light. During a Pentagon press conference on Friday, Hegseth claimed the operation has been an unprecedented success, while criticising news outlets for what he described as downplaying Washington's gains.
Claims of Military Dominance Amid Ongoing Conflict
Speaking alongside the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, General Dan Caine, Hegseth asserted that Iran has been left without a functioning air force, navy, or missile defence network after 13 days of strikes. He stated that the combined US-Israeli air campaign has hit over 15,000 targets since the war began, declaring, "The United States is decimating the radical Iranian regime's military in a way the world has never seen before."
Hegseth further claimed that Iranian ballistic missile production capacity has been "functionally defeated" and that leaders are hiding underground, comparing them to rats. However, video footage from Tehran's annual Quds Day rally showed senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, publicly marching, contradicting his assertions.
Unverified Allegations and Investigation into Civilian Casualties
The defence secretary also made unverified claims about Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, suggesting he is "wounded and likely disfigured" following his election in March. Independent analysts, such as the Institute for the Study of War, have confirmed significant damage to Iranian military infrastructure using satellite imagery, yet attacks by Iran continue, with state media reporting ongoing missile and drone barrages on US installations and Israel.
Hegseth confirmed that a US military investigation is underway into an airstrike on a girls' school in Iran that killed at least 175 people. He noted the investigating officer is a general from outside US Central Command but did not address allegations directly, with preliminary findings reportedly indicating US responsibility for the bombing.
Technological Advances and Strategic Challenges
General Caine revealed that the US has deployed "the first precision strike missiles ever used in combat," designed for greater accuracy and range. Despite claims of battlefield dominance, the Pentagon acknowledged that the Strait of Hormuz remains partly closed to commercial shipping due to Iranian actions, with naval escort operations yet to commence. Hegseth dismissed reports of US unpreparedness, stating, "The only thing prohibiting transit in Hormuz right now is Iran shooting at shipping."
Media Criticism and Access Restrictions
Throughout the briefing, Hegseth repeatedly criticised war coverage, proposing alternative headlines like "Iran increasingly desperate." He singled out CNN, commenting, "The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better," referencing the Trump ally's potential acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. Notably, some journalists and print photographers were denied entry to the press briefing, reportedly due to "unflattering" photos of Hegseth being published.
Concluding with an appeal to divine providence, Hegseth urged Americans to pray for troops, stating he serves "God, the troops, the country, the constitution and the president of the United States."
