WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran holds the upper hand in a propaganda war, claiming the country’s use of artificial intelligence has managed to influence even U.S. and Western media coverage of the Middle East conflict.
In a statement posted online, Trump alleged that Iran has fabricated reports of kamikaze boats, burning U.S. ships, and downed refueling planes — all of which he insisted were false. He accused outlets including the *Wall Street Journal* of amplifying what he described as “knowingly fake” stories, portraying Iran’s military as stronger than it is.
“The only battles they ‘win’ are those they create through AI,” Trump wrote on his own social media platform, while praising FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for reviewing the licenses of media organizations he labeled “corrupt and highly unpatriotic.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 15, 2026
He announced that Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is reviewing licenses of outlets spreading what he called “fake news” on the conflict, such as false claims of Iranian victories in the Persian Gulf and near Dubai. This move signals a tightening grip on broadcasters amid accusations of pro-Iran bias, with Trump warning it could cost them dearly in a presidential election year.
Interestingly, he rhetoric comes as US forces reportedly decimate Iranian assets every day, though Trump alleges media downplays these wins while hyping Tehran-orchestrated “hoaxes.” Iran’s Foreign Minister rejected US ceasefire overtures, vowing a prolonged fight, while fires rage near key Gulf infrastructure. Analysts see Trump’s post as both a media crackdown and a bid to rally public support ahead of potential 2026 political battles.
Observers covering the ongoing Middle East war believe the remarks underscore Trump’s growing frustration with press coverage of the Middle East war, as he suggested Iran has gained a clear victory in shaping perceptions abroad, while at the same time, his comments reflect a broader narrative that Western media is vulnerable to manipulation, and he hinted at tightening regulatory scrutiny of broadcasters.
Trump concluded with a familiar refrain from his reality TV days: “FIRED,” signaling his disdain for late-night hosts and news outlets he believes perpetuate “lies.”
