Trump claims Pentagon leaker of Iran strikes should be prosecuted.
military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling for the leaker to be prosecuted. Speaking at a press conference, Trump asserted that the operation was a “total success,” claiming it had destroyed several of Iran’s most critical nuclear development sites. However, a leaked Pentagon report appears to contradict this narrative, suggesting the strikes had limited impact and failed to neutralize Iran’s core capabilities.
Trump did not reveal the source of his information but stated, “We know who leaked it, and they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” He went on to criticize what he called “a coordinated effort by radical Democrats and dishonest media” to undermine national security and mislead the public. The president argued that the leaks were politically motivated and intended to cast doubt on his administration’s handling of the Iran situation.
The Pentagon has declined to comment on the authenticity of the leaked assessment, while Democratic lawmakers have denied any involvement. The controversy has added new tension to the already polarized debate over U.S. foreign policy and the handling of intelligence surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump Threatens Prosecution Over Iran Strike Leaks, Sparks Political Firestorm
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, 27 June, unleashed a political firestorm after accusing Democratic lawmakers—without presenting any evidence—of leaking classified information regarding recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The airstrikes, which targeted key facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan under the codename Operation Midnight Hammer, were launched the previous week and have since triggered a wave of debate, both at home and abroad.
They should be prosecuted.” His message, delivered in all caps, marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing dispute between the executive branch and Congressional Democrats over matters of national security and transparency.
Trump initially hailed the strikes as a resounding success, claiming that they had “totally obliterated” Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities. However, that narrative came under scrutiny when a leaked preliminary report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) circulated among media outlets. The report suggested that the airstrikes may have had only a limited impact on Iran’s nuclear program, potentially delaying progress by a few months rather than causing significant long-term disruption.
The revelation of the DIA’s findings infuriated Trump and several senior administration officials. According to multiple sources, Democratic lawmakers were incensed by the move, viewing it as an overreach that undermines oversight responsibilities.
Top Trump administration officials, including U.S. Following the session, reactions fell sharply along party lines. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) publicly criticized Trump, stating that the president was “deliberately misleading” the American public when he claimed the nuclear program had been destroyed. In contrast, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a staunch Trump ally, praised the operation, asserting that Iran’s capabilities had been “weakened” by the targeted strikes.
Analysts noted that a significant portion of the material was not stored at the bombed locations, particularly Fordow, and therefore escaped the brunt of the U.S. attack.
At a press conference later that day, Defense Secretary Hegseth strongly pushed back against media accounts suggesting the operation was less effective than advertised. “I reject the implication that these strikes were inconsequential,” he said. “Anyone claiming they only delayed Iran’s program by a few months is either uninformed or willfully distorting the facts. We hit their critical infrastructure hard.”
Yet the administration continues to face criticism for its handling of classified intelligence, especially in the aftermath of the leak. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed his frustration. “I have been extraordinarily consistent that leaks of any kind should be prosecuted,” Warner told reporters. “I simply wish that the administration would adhere to that same level of secrecy about classified information that shouldn’t be shared on non-classified channels like Signal.”
Legal experts have pointed out that to pursue charges, the administration would need clear evidence identifying the leaker and demonstrating intent to harm national security. As of now, no formal investigation results have been made public, and no lawmakers have been named in any official capacity.
Meanwhile, the broader international response to Operation Midnight Hammer remains measured. Iran has not yet commented in detail on the scale of damage, although satellite imagery suggests some facilities were hit. European and Middle Eastern allies have urged restraint on both sides, warning that further escalation could destabilize the region.
As the situation develops, the clash between Trump’s administration and Congressional Democrats underscores the deeply polarized environment in Washington, where even matters of national defense and classified intelligence are caught in the crossfire of political rivalry.