The Trump administration has threatened to revoke the licenses of television networks and media outlets that critically report on the war against Iran, according to foreign media reports. The administration has warned that it will take action against media outlets that report critically on the war, and also accused them of spreading misinformation. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brandon Carr recently stated on social media that media outlets should serve the public interest, or else they risk losing their licenses.
The statement by Carr is part of a series of threats made by the Trump administration in recent days, which critics say is an attempt to pressure media outlets to conform to the administration’s policies. Last year, the FCC demanded that TV channels ABC and its distributors take action against comedian Jimmy Kimmel, whose show criticized President Trump. Carr’s recent statement has sparked strong reactions from politicians and advocates of free speech, who have equated it with censorship.
The move comes as President Trump criticized media outlets on social media for reporting that American aircraft were destroyed during the Iranian attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Trump claimed that the base was attacked, but the aircraft were not destroyed and suffered only minor damage. He said that 5 out of the 6 aircraft were safely evacuated and are now back in service.
The US Department of Defense has announced that 6 American airmen were killed in a C-135 refueling plane crash in western Iraq on Thursday. The department has accused some media outlets of intentionally spreading misinformation, saying that they want the US to lose the war.
Critics have accused the Trump administration and its allies of using state power to suppress dissenting voices and critical journalism, which has raised concerns about press freedom. A recent survey found that 53% of voters in the US oppose military action against Iran, including 89% of Democrats and 60% of independents.
Legal experts have also deemed the war a violation of international law, as it prohibits unprovoked attacks. However, President Trump has provided contradictory explanations for the war’s justification, saying it is a success despite ongoing Iranian attacks and a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route.
A joint statement by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan has expressed support for the coalition’s efforts to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and to stabilize the region’s energy markets.
In a separate incident, a C-130 plane carrying 101 passengers, including 20 pets, landed safely at Athens International Airport in Greece. The passengers included Egyptian businessman Youssef Al-Otaiba, who said that the US will continue to work with its allies and invest in the region.
In another development, the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation reported that one of its operational units was damaged in a drone attack on Saturday, causing limited fires.
The US has also announced that it will sell a new defense system to the United Arab Emirates, worth approximately $4.5 billion. The system includes advanced long-range radar.
In related news, Iran has claimed that it has identified vulnerabilities in Israel’s communication networks, which has disrupted its war efforts. The Iranian media has also accused Israel of suffering from security breaches in its communication systems.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Rifles Committee has announced that the country’s Shawwal moon was not visible, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on March 21.
