"Fake news from CNN claims the administration of President Donald Trump underestimated the impact of the war in Iran on the Strait of Hormuz. Utterly ridiculous. For decades, Iran has threatened maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz. They have always held the strait hostage," US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said at a press conference on 13/3.
Since the United States and Israel launched attacks targeting Iran, Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and warned of attacks on vessels passing through this vital shipping lane. This action caused significant oil price volatility as oil transportation activities through the strait were almost halted.
"CNN claims we didn't consider that. That is an utterly unserious report. The sooner David Ellison takes over CNN, the better," the US Secretary of Defense emphasized.
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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at a press conference at the US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida, on 5/3. Photo: AFP. |
David Ellison currently heads Skydance Media, the company that reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, earlier this month. He pledged to protect CNN's editorial independence.
His father, Larry Ellison, one of the world's wealthiest individuals, largely financed this acquisition. Larry is a long-time ally and financial supporter of President Trump.
The White House also condemned CNN's report on the Strait of Hormuz.
"This story is 100% fake news. For decades, the Pentagon has planned for the reckless and desperate scenario of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. This was part of the Trump administration's plans long before the "Operation Terrifying Fury" campaign," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social media platform X.
In response, CNN chief Mark Thompson affirmed, "our sole concern is to speak the truth to audiences in the United States and worldwide". Thompson stated, "Any political threats or attacks cannot change that."
Mr. Trump has long frequently attacked CNN reporters, particularly anchor Kaitlan Collins. Last month, the US President reprimanded Collins for not "smiling" when questioning him about the victims of pedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
Secretary Hegseth has also repeatedly criticized media coverage of the Pentagon and the US military, claiming the media attempts to tarnish the image of the US armed forces.
"People look at their television screens and see headlines. I used to work in that field and know everything is written with intent. For example, a headline 'Middle East Conflict Escalates' appears on screen. So what should that headline be? Why not write 'Iran Grows More Desperate' because that is the truth. The media knows this," Hegseth, a former Fox News host, said at the press conference.
The conflict in Iran shows no signs of de-escalating, and the energy market remains unpredictable. In a message released on 12/3, Iran's new Supreme Leader affirmed that the country will continue to blockade the Strait of Hormuz "if fighting persists and we deem it an appropriate action."
By Huyen Le (AFP, Hill)
