Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently criticized media coverage of the conflict with Iran, accusing news outlets of amplifying misinformation from the Iranian regime. During a press conference at the G20 Summit of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in North Carolina, Bessent asserted that Iran no longer controls the Strait of Hormuz and that its government is in a "death spiral."
Bessent directed his remarks toward journalists, stating, "One of the best allies that the Iranians have on this is the media because the media immediately publishes all the lies that they say." He further urged news organizations to "be ashamed for publishing that, taking a lying regime at face value."
The Treasury Secretary's comments were met with criticism online, with some observers noting the perceived irony given past scrutiny of claims made by his own administration. The remarks came in response to a question about the status of the conflict, which was initiated by the Trump administration in February.