President Trump said on Friday that Iran is “totally defeated” just two weeks into the conflict with the Islamic Republic. “The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal — But not a deal that I would accept!” he posted to Truth Social late Friday.
He made the statement towards the end of the 14th day of the U.S.-Israeli military operation. Trump did not provide any further details about a potential deal or ongoing negotiations. The update comes amid varying perspectives on the direction and timeline of the conflict.
Shortly after the initial strikes on Iran on February 28, Trump predicted that the “major combat operations” would be a “short-term excursion,” lasting “four to five weeks” or possibly longer. He mentioned to reporters on Friday that the conflict would continue “as long as it’s necessary,” emphasizing that the U.S. attacks are “well ahead of schedule.”
The administration has expressed frustration over reports that contradict its timeline or the extent of the war. In a press conference on Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized CNN for an article claiming that the government “significantly underestimated” Iran’s willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz. He described the article as “patently ridiculous” and “fundamentally unserious.”
The White House has also created a website titled “CNN Is Lying to Undermine Operation Epic Fury’s Crushing Success.”
Last week, the president also called out The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal and “other Lowlife ‘Papers’” that “actually want us to lose the War.”
“Their terrible reporting is the exact opposite of the facts! They are truly sick and demented people that have no idea the damage they cause the United States of America,” he said Friday on social media. “Fortunately, as proven by our Great and Conclusive Election Win in 2024, the People of our Country understand what is happening far better than the Fake News Media!”
He specifically rebuked a report from the Journal detailing five U.S. Air Force refueling planes that were struck and damaged but not fully destroyed at an air base in Saudi Arabia.
“Yet again, an intentionally misleading headline by the Fake News Media about the five tanker planes that were supposedly struck down at an Airport in Saudi Arabia, and of no further use. In actuality, the Base was hit a few days ago, but the planes were not ’struck’ or ’destroyed.’ Four of the five had virtually no damage and are already back in service. One had slightly more damage, but will be in the air shortly,” he said. “None were destroyed, or close to that, as the Fake News said in headlines.”
The article said the tankers were “damaged but not fully destroyed” and are being repaired, contradicting the president’s complaint.
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr responded to the president’s post with a threat to revoke broadcasters’ licenses over their lame and misleading coverage.
“Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions — also known as the fake news — have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr said on social media. “The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not.”
Trump announced Friday evening that the United States military carried out what he described as one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East. The strikes targeted Iranian military facilities on Kharg Island.
Trump revealed the operation in a post on Truth Social. He said U.S. Central Command conducted the strikes.
“Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”