The White House has launched a sharp rebuttal against ABC News following a report alleging that Iran planned to deploy drone strikes against California in retaliation for Operation Epic Fury. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the news organization of disseminating misinformation by failing to clarify that the FBI warning was based on “unverified” intelligence. Leavitt demanded an immediate retraction, characterizing the report as an attempt to cause public alarm without factual basis.
The dispute stems from an internal FBI alert concerning unidentified vessels off the California coast. While the initial media report suggested an imminent threat using unmanned aerial vehicles, the Trump administration clarified that the intelligence lacked specific details regarding the timing, methods, or perpetrators of any potential attack. Governor Gavin Newsom echoed a cautious sentiment, noting that while state intelligence teams are monitoring the situation, the immediate validity of the reported threat remains downplayed.
This confrontation occurs as the administration defends its broader military strategy against Iran. Although Leavitt confirmed that the primary objective of Operation Epic Fury is the dismantling of the Iranian military and its associated terrorist proxies, the administration continues to face scrutiny over conflicting signals regarding a potential policy of regime change under President Donald Trump. The clash highlights the growing tension between the executive branch and media outlets over national security narratives.
