💨 Abstract

**Summary:** U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites sparked a tense exchange between the Trump administration and the media. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth accused journalists of undermining the strikes' success by reporting contradictory intelligence. Expert Ian Garner suggests this critique reflects a larger authoritarian pattern, where Trump portrays the media as an "enemy within." Meanwhile, reports indicate the strikes may not have significantly damaged Iran's nuclear program, contrary to Trump's claims.

Courtesy: Sarah Hooper