GOP senators accuse media of trying to ‘undermine Trump’ with reporting on leaked Iran damage report
Republican senators have expressed their belief that the initial leaked reports on the airstrikes authorized by President Donald Trump against Iran’s nuclear facilities were inaccurate and politically motivated. After receiving a fuller intelligence report, they are now convinced that the damage caused by the airstrikes was significant.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas stated that the leaked intelligence report was not accurate and that the 14 bunker-buster bombs dropped on the Iranian nuclear weapons facility caused overwhelming damage. He emphasized that the evidence clearly shows the extent of the destruction, contrary to what was initially reported.
Senator Cruz suggested that the leaked reports were driven by a political agenda, aimed at undermining President Trump. He criticized the media for running with inaccurate information and not portraying the true impact of the airstrikes.
CNN had reported that the strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan did not destroy key components of Iran’s nuclear program and only set back the program by several months. However, Republican senators, including Josh Hawley of Missouri, refuted these claims after receiving a classified intelligence briefing. They stated that the leaked reports were inaccurate and misrepresented the true situation.
President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had vehemently denied the reports, emphasizing the success of the strikes and the significant damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump cited a statement from the Atomic Energy Commission of Israel, which praised the effectiveness of the strikes in setting back Iran’s nuclear weapons development.
While some Democratic senators, such as Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, acknowledged the positive impact of the strikes in setting back Iran’s nuclear program, others, like Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, maintained their stance that the strikes were unconstitutional and detrimental to American interests.
Despite the differing opinions among senators, the classified intelligence briefing provided a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. While some senators remained critical of the strikes, others found reassurance in the briefing and emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Overall, the Republican senators’ assessment of the airstrikes highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for accurate and unbiased reporting on national security matters. The controversy surrounding the leaked reports underscores the importance of reliable intelligence and informed decision-making in matters of international conflict.
