Trump Calls for Investigation into Leak of Iran Intelligence Report, Hints at Targeting Journalists
Former President Donald Trump has called for an investigation into the leak of a classified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report concerning recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump also suggested that journalists may be compelled to reveal their sources in connection with the disclosure.
In a Fox News interview with Maria Bartiromo, aired on Sunday, Trump expressed frustration over media reports on the intelligence assessment, which indicated that the U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear locations had only delayed Iran’s program by a few months. The leaked report contradicted Trump’s claims — and those of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine — that the sites had been completely “obliterated.”
The report, reportedly classified and based on “low confidence” findings within the intelligence community, sparked backlash from Trump, who accused media outlets of omitting key context. He further alleged, without evidence, that Democrats were behind the leak.
Trump Suggests Subpoenaing Journalists
On Truth Social, Trump floated the idea of subpoenaing reporters to identify their sources, claiming that uncovering the leaker’s identity would be “easy” if authorities chose to pursue it.
“You have to do that. I suspect we’ll be doing things like that,” he told Bartiromo. He also criticized what he called “fake news” coverage of the strike and repeated his assertion that Iran’s nuclear efforts were decimated by U.S. bunker-busting munitions.
Despite Trump’s remarks, the DIA report indicated the airstrikes only temporarily disrupted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, casting doubt on the administration’s more aggressive narrative.
Conflicting Accounts from Allies and Intelligence Agencies
Israel’s preliminary evaluation described the damage from the strikes as “very significant,” though officials there cautioned that complete assessments take time. A senior Israeli source told Axios that it was premature to reach firm conclusions and confirmed that their battle damage analysis was still ongoing.
At a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump reiterated his stance to reporters, declaring the attacks had destroyed Iran’s capabilities and likened the impact to the atomic bombings during World War II — a comparison widely seen as controversial.
Missing Uranium Raises New Concerns
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that approximately 400 kilograms of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile was unaccounted for. While Trump dismissed the report as “irrelevant,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the disappearance and confirmed the matter would be addressed in diplomatic talks with Iran.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe also weighed in, stating that Iran’s nuclear facilities had indeed suffered serious setbacks and would take years to restore. “Several key sites were eliminated,” he said, citing trusted intelligence sources.
Future Talks and Uncertain Ceasefire
Trump revealed that a direct meeting with Iranian officials could take place as early as next week, though he expressed indifference about the outcome.
“We may sign an agreement, or we may not,” he said. “I don’t care if I have an agreement or not.”
Regarding the temporary ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Trump was less optimistic than earlier in the week when he had declared the truce would last “forever.” He acknowledged that tensions remained high and conflict could resume.
“They’re both tired,” he said, “but could it start again? Maybe. Maybe soon.”
