President Donald Trump has accused The New York Times of 'virtual treason' on Tuesday after the newspaper reported that, contrary to his repeated boasts, Iran has restored much of its missile capability following the launch of Operation Epic Fury in February 2026.
The clash over Iran's war damage comes after months of triumphal rhetoric from the White House about the campaign. Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have sold Epic Fury as a decisive blow that left Iran's armed forces 'decimated' and 'combat-ineffective for years to come.' Since the joint US–Israeli strikes began in the early hours of 28 February, the administration's line has been simple and emphatic: Iran, militarily, is finished.
