On March 13, 2026, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the war initiated by his country two weeks earlier. He addressed reporters as adversaries or even enemies, stating that the US had decimated the radical Iranian military regime in an unprecedented manner.
During a briefing on the Iran war on April 16, Hegseth criticized the press for its negative coverage despite the success of US troops. Meanwhile, American newspapers reported on the shortcomings of Donald Trump’s war against Iran.
Tensions between the Pentagon chief and journalists escalated when new rules were imposed in October 2025, requiring journalists to be escorted and have their information approved before publishing. This led to a blockade of journalists, with many leaving the building.
The relationship between the Pentagon and journalists deteriorated further with the arrival of Hegseth, who faced scrutiny for his nomination due to various controversies. New defense correspondents from conservative and conspiracy theory media outlets were accredited to replace departing journalists.
The fallout from these changes affected communication between the Pentagon and the public, raising concerns about the lack of transparency. Journalists continued to report failures in the Iran war, further undermining the Pentagon’s credibility.
As questions about military spending arose, with reports of billions of dollars being spent with little accountability, journalists highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability in the administration’s handling of the war in Iran.
