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White House Slams CNN's 'False' Report on Iran Strait of Hormuz Planning

The White House has issued a strong statement accusing CNN of publishing a false report regarding U.S. planning for a potential Iranian move to close the Strait of Hormuz. Officials stated the network misrepresented military planning linked to Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing campaign against Iran's military capabilities. The statement cited Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and supportive comments from Senators Tom Cotton and Tim Sheehy, who attended classified briefings. It emphasized that Operation Epic Fury is designed to neutralize Iran's ability to threaten global shipping lanes.

Key Points: White House Denies CNN Report on Iran Strait of Hormuz Planning

  • White House rejects CNN report on Iran planning
  • Accuses network of "Democrat-sourced fiction"
  • Says Strait of Hormuz contingency planned for decades
  • Lawmakers back administration's claims in briefings
3 min read

White House calls CNN report 'false' on Iran

White House calls CNN report "false," insists US long planned for Iran closing Strait of Hormuz. Senators Cotton and Sheehy back administration.

"Fake News CNN is at it again, - White House statement"

Washington, March 14

The White House accused CNN of publishing false claims about US planning for a possible Iranian move to close the Strait of Hormuz, pushing back strongly against a report questioning whether American officials had prepared for the scenario during the ongoing military campaign against Tehran.

In a statement issued by the White House, officials said the report misrepresented US military planning linked to Operation Epic Fury, the campaign targeting Iran's military capabilities.

"Fake News CNN is at it again," the statement said, accusing the network of pushing "Democrat-sourced fiction to undermine our decisive victories in Operation Epic Fury."

According to the White House, CNN had alleged that the Pentagon and the National Security Council "did not plan" for Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping corridors.

The White House rejected that claim and said the possibility had long been part of US military planning.

"As Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has made crystal clear, the military has planned for this exact contingency for decades," the statement said.

The White House said Operation Epic Fury was designed specifically to neutralise Iran's ability to threaten maritime routes.

"Operation Epic Fury is deliberately designed to annihilate Iran's navy, missiles, drones, and launch capabilities precisely to eliminate any meaningful threat to global shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz," the statement said.

The statement also cited comments from lawmakers who attended classified briefings and disputed the reporting.

"As Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, let me make clear: whoever leaked this lied. CNN should do some fact-checking. The US has planned for Iran to try to close the strait for decades," said Sen. Tom Cotton.

Another senator who attended the briefing, Tim Sheehy, also rejected the claim.

"I received a classified briefing from the administration. It is categorically false that they did not plan for Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Lawmakers and national security officials have known for years that this was Iran's plan once their backs were against the wall," Sheehy said.

The White House said Operation Epic Fury continues to pursue its stated objectives against Iran's military capabilities.

"Under President Trump's bold and resolute leadership, Operation Epic Fury continues to advance its clear objectives: destroying Iran's ballistic missile arsenal and production capacity, obliterating its navy, severing its support for its terrorist proxies, and ensuring the regime can never threaten the free world with nuclear weapons," the statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's hard to know who to believe anymore. Both sides accuse each other of spreading falsehoods. As an outsider, I just hope the situation de-escalates. The last thing the world needs is another major conflict.
R
Rohit P
The White House calling it "fake news" is a bit rich, honestly. They have a history of dismissing unfavourable reports. That said, the US military not planning for such an obvious move by Iran does sound far-fetched. CNN should provide more evidence.
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Priya S
Our government needs to watch this very closely. India has strong ties with both the US and Iran. We must ensure our national interests are protected and our oil imports are not held hostage by this tension. Strategic autonomy is key.
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Aman W
The language used is so aggressive – "annihilate," "obliterate." Is this how diplomacy is done now? It feels like both sides are just posturing for domestic audiences. The real cost will be borne by ordinary people in the region and countries like India that depend on stability.
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Karthik V
Operation Epic Fury sounds like a video game name. Jokes aside, this is serious business. If Iran actually closes the strait, petrol prices in India will shoot up overnight. Our policymakers should have contingency plans ready, regardless of what the US says or plans.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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