Pentagon Bars Photographers from Hegseth Iran Briefings

The Pentagon has barred photographers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's last two briefings on the U.S. war in Iran, marking a departure from longstanding policy without an official explanation, according to multiple reports. The restriction followed a March 2 briefing where images of Hegseth, captured by photographers from outlets including the Associated Press, Reuters and Getty Images, were deemed unflattering by his staff, sources familiar with the decision told The Washington Post.

The March 2 session was Hegseth's first appearance in the Pentagon briefing room since June 26, alongside Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It came shortly after a joint U.S.-Israeli military strike on February 28 that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photographers from major wire services attended and distributed the images, which are licensed globally to news publications. However, staff members expressed dissatisfaction with Hegseth's appearance in the photos, leading to the exclusion of independent photographers from subsequent briefings on March 4 and March 10. Only department photographers have been permitted since, with their images released...