Iran war coverage sparks media battle in the U.S. - Al Jazeera English

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The war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States is not only playing out on the battlefield — but also across the American political and media landscape.

Supporters of Donald Trump say the president is handling the crisis decisively, while critics accuse the administration of shaping the narrative through political messaging and media pressure.

Recent polling from The Washington Post highlights the sharp political divide:

81% of Republicans support the war

91% of Democrats oppose it

Meanwhile, officials including Karoline Leavitt and Pete Hegseth, now serving as U.S. Defense Secretary, have clashed with journalists over coverage of the conflict.

The Pentagon has also introduced new restrictions for reporters, prompting criticism from media organizations. Some journalists have even returned their press credentials rather than accept the new rules.

At the same time, social media campaigns from the White House — including videos shared on X — are reshaping how the conflict is presented to the public.

With trust in traditional media declining, the information battle surrounding the Iran war is becoming almost as intense as the conflict itself.

Al Jazeera's Phil Lavelle explains. - 03/09/2026.