Donald Trump criticizes media coverage of Iran conflict during radio interview

During a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt on July 13, 2026, President Donald Trump accused the media of wanting the United States to lose its military campaign against Iran. He claimed that Iran's military had been significantly weakened but continued to receive favorable coverage from outlets like The New York Times. Trump referenced a report from the Times suggesting that Iran was in a stronger position, despite his assertion that the country lacks a functional military. He cited a high inflation rate in Iran, stating it had reached 301%. Trump warned of imminent U.S. military strikes against Iran, mentioning potential targets such as Pickaxe Mountain, an underground facility related to Iran's nuclear program. He emphasized that U.S. surveillance was monitoring the site and expressed distrust in Iran's leadership regarding nuclear weapons. Additionally, U.S. Central Command announced a resumption of its blockade of vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports, allowing humanitarian shipments but warning of potential force against non-compliant ships.