Trump Threatens Journalists Over Leaked Iran Nuclear Intel

Former President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against the media, explicitly threatening to compel journalists to disclose their confidential sources regarding a recently leaked Pentagon intelligence assessment on Iran’s nuclear program. The assessment reportedly contradicts earlier administration claims about the effectiveness of U.S. airstrikes.

During a recent interview, Trump asserted that those responsible for leaking the classified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report, which suggested U.S. strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities by months rather than obliterating them, should be prosecuted. When pressed on how sources would be identified, Trump stated, “You go up and tell the reporter, ‘National security, who gave it [to you]?’ You have to do that, and I suspect we’ll be doing things like that.”

This move follows reports from outlets like CNN and The New York Times, which cited the DIA assessment undermining the administration’s narrative of a “spectacular military success.” The leaked report indicated that while entrances to targeted facilities were sealed, the underground structures remained largely intact, and Iran had relocated significant portions of enriched uranium prior to the strikes.

The White House has consistently maintained that the mission was a complete success, with Trump dismissing contradicting reports as “fake news.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Department of Defense, in conjunction with the FBI, has launched a leak investigation into the matter. Trump’s latest threat raises significant concerns about press freedom and the protection of journalistic sources.

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