Iran-US war latest: Trump accuses media of treason as US intel reportedly claims Tehran retains substantial missile capabilities

Trump says reports that the ‘Iranian enemy is doing well’ are ‘false’

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Donald Trump has accused the US media of “virtual treason” as it reports that American intelligence indicates Iran retains substantial missile capabilities.

“When the Fake News says that the Iranian enemy is doing well, Militarily, against us, it’s virtual TREASON in that it is such a false, and even preposterous, statement,” the US president wrote on Truth Social Tuesday.

Trump’s rant comes as The New York Times reports that Iran has restored operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has effectively blocked the vital oil waterway during the war.

The UK has announced it will send drones, jets and a warship to aid a multinational defensive mission to secure shipping through the waterway.

Defence minister John Healey said Tuesday, “With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent and credible”.

Iran has also threatened to start enriching weapons-grade uranium if Trump reopens the conflict, with the ceasefire agreement on “life support” after the US president dismissed Tehran’s latest peace proposal.

Ebrahim Rezaei, Iran’s parliamentary national security and foreign policy commission spokesperson, said Tuesday that Tehran could enrich uranium up to 90 per cent purity if the country is attacked again.

• Trump brushes off Iran war’s cost at home: ‘I don’t think about American financial situation’
• Tehran threatens to accelerate nuclear weapon programme after Trump rejects ‘garbage’ peace proposal response
• All the airlines cancelling flights and adding extra charges amid jet fuel crisis
• UK flight cancellations increase as soaring jet fuel prices hit

Key Points

• Trump accuses media of 'treason' for saying Iranian army 'doing well'
• UK to send drones, jets and warship to join defensive mission securing Strait of Hormuz

Trump accuses media of 'treason' for saying Iranian army 'doing well'

President Donald Trump has accused the media of treason for saying that Iran is “doing well” in the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.

“When the Fake News says that the Iranian enemy is doing well, Militarily, against us, it’s virtual TREASON in that it is such a false, and even preposterous, statement,” he wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday, posting from his flight to China.

“They are aiding and abetting the enemy! All it does is give Iran false hope when none should exist. These are American cowards that are rooting against our Country.

“Iran had 159 ships in their Navy — Every single ship is now resting at the bottom of the sea. They have no Navy, their Air Force is gone, all Technology is gone, their ‘leaders’ are no longer with us, and the Country is an Economic Disaster.”

Iran war briefing:

• Donald Trump has accused the US media of “virtual treason” after it reported that intelligence indicates Iran retains substantial missile capabilities
• Trump will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, where he will have a “long talk” about Iran with Chinese president Xi Jinping. However, Trump said he does not think he will need China's help to end the war with Iran
• Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the US-Israel war on Iran was one between “proud people” and “professional liars who fabricated justifications for atrocity”
• Oil prices fell on Wednesday after rising in three consecutive sessions. Brent crude futures lost 82 cents, or 0.76 per cent, to trade at $106.95 a barrel

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