White House Defends Iran Operations, Cites Diplomatic Gains

Nearly two months after President Donald Trump initiated military operations against Iran in early March 2026, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's approach during appearances on Fox News, asserting that the United States is closer than ever to a favorable diplomatic agreement with Tehran.

Leavitt described Operation Epic Fury, the campaign's centerpiece, as a decisive strike that has weakened Iran's military capabilities and bolstered U.S. negotiating leverage. She claimed the operation targeted more than 13,000 sites, effectively neutralizing the Iranian navy, air force, and internal communication networks within the regime. "Thanks to President Trump's brilliant negotiating tactics and the success of Operation Epic Fury, the United States has never been so close to making a truly good deal, unlike the horrific deal signed by Barack Obama," Leavitt said. She contrasted this with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Trump has repeatedly called a pathway to Iranian nuclear weapons, and accused previous administrations of transferring $1.7 billion in cash to Iran along with hundreds of billions more in released funds.