By Our Reporter
US President Donald Trump has threatened to jail a journalist over reports that revealed details of a rescue operation involving a downed American airman in Iran.
Speaking on the issue, Trump said the reporter responsible for breaking the story would be compelled to disclose their sources, warning that refusal could lead to imprisonment on national security grounds.
The controversy follows reports by several media organisations, including The New York Times, CBS News, and Axios, which indicated that one of two US airmen involved in a mission over Iran had been successfully rescued after their fighter jet was shot down.
Trump argued that the leak compromised an ongoing operation to recover the second airman, although both personnel were eventually brought to safety. He said efforts were underway to identify the source of the leak.
“We’re looking very hard to find that leaker,” Trump stated, adding that the government would take action against the media outlet responsible. “We’re going to say, ‘National security—give it up or go to jail.’”
The president has also expressed frustration privately over what he perceives as negative media coverage of the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
Meanwhile, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr weighed in, suggesting that broadcasters accused of airing “fake news” should correct their reporting ahead of licence renewal reviews.
The remarks have raised fresh concerns about press freedom and the balance between national security and the public’s right to information.