13 May,2026 08:15 AM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondent
Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on sections of the American media over their coverage of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, accusing news outlets of portraying Tehran in a stronger position than it actually is.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump alleged that media organisations were spreading misleading narratives about Iran's military capabilities and claimed such reporting was helping the country by creating "false hope." He described the coverage as "virtual treason" and accused journalists of "aiding and abetting the enemy."
"When the Fake News says that the Iranian enemy is doing well, militarily, against us, it's virtual TREASON," Trump wrote. He further alleged that the reports were "false" and "preposterous" and criticised what he called "American cowards" for allegedly rooting against the country.
The US President also made a series of sweeping claims about Iran's military condition, asserting that the country's naval and air power had been completely dismantled.
According to Trump, Iran's navy no longer exists and its air force and military technology infrastructure have been destroyed. He additionally claimed that the country's leadership structure had collapsed and described Iran as facing severe economic difficulties.
Trump stated that all 159 ships in Iran's navy had sunk, though no independent confirmation of the claim has emerged.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region and continued military and political standoffs involving the United States, Iran and Israel.
Speaking to reporters before departing for Beijing for a scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump repeated his claims that Iran's military had been "decimated."
When asked whether China could play a role in easing tensions with Iran, Trump said he did not believe American intervention required outside assistance.
"We'll win it one way or the other. We'll win it peacefully or otherwise," Trump told reporters, while again asserting that Iran's military infrastructure had been severely weakened.
He also described the ongoing blockade measures as "100 per cent effective" and warned that Iran would either "do the right thing" or face further consequences.
Meanwhile, Iran strongly criticised Washington's actions and rhetoric. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of acting in bad faith and said American policies were obstructing efforts to restore peace in the region.
According to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, Araghchi made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with Norway's deputy foreign minister. He criticised what he described as provocative statements and an aggressive approach by the US administration.
Araghchi said the "lack of good faith and dishonesty" from Washington remained the biggest obstacle to ending the conflict. He also blamed the United States and Israel for worsening tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and accused them of continuing pressure tactics through maritime blockades on Iranian ports.
The exchange of statements highlights the growing strain between Washington and Tehran as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. Trump's latest remarks have added to already heated rhetoric surrounding the conflict, while Iran continues to accuse the United States of escalating instability in the region.
The developments also come at a time when global attention is focused on Trump's upcoming talks in China, where regional security and international trade issues are expected to feature prominently.
(With inputs from ANI)
