Trump Claims Media Would Declare Iran Victorious Even If It Surrendered

Former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack against domestic media outlets, criticizing their coverage of the ongoing conflict with Iran.

In an extensive post on his platform Truth Social, which was shared by a White House-managed rapid response page, Trump claimed that even if Iran surrendered and its army left Tehran, the "failed and corrupt" media would still declare Iran the winner.

Trump wrote, "If Iran surrenders, admits its naval fleet has sunk to the bottom of the sea, and its air forces no longer exist, and if its entire army leaves Tehran, having thrown down their weapons and raised their hands high while chanting 'I surrender, I surrender' and waving white flags, and if all remaining commanders sign the necessary 'surrender documents' and acknowledge their defeat before the great power of the United States of America."

He continued with these hypothetical scenarios, stating that even if all those conditions were met, "the failing New York Times, the China Street Journal (Wall Street Journal), the corrupt CNN which has lost its credibility, and all other media outlets spreading false news, would declare that Iran achieved a brilliant victory over the United States, and that the victory was not even close."

Trump concluded by saying, "The Democrats and the media have completely lost their way. They have gone totally crazy."

Trump’s confrontational relationship with traditional media has intensified significantly during the current war with Iran. Since the military operations against Iranian targets began in February, the former president has accused major newspapers and TV channels of disseminating "fake news" aimed at undermining the military effort and weakening the morale of both the public and soldiers.

In recent weeks, media coverage has focused on civilian casualties, rising oil prices, and geopolitical risks of escalation, rather than highlighting U.S. military achievements such as the destruction of Iran’s naval fleet and advanced military installations. Trump has described this focus as "bias toward Democratic policies."