WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had a tense exchange with CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins at Wednesday's briefing after being questioned about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks regarding media coverage of six U.S. service members killed in action with Iran. Collins asked whether the administration believed the press should not prominently report on the deaths of service members. Leavitt rejected this premise, asserting the administration's position is that the media needs to accurately report on "Operation Epic Fury" and the losses inflicted on Iran. Leavitt stated that some media outlets seek to make President Trump "look bad," specifically targeting CNN during her debate with Collins. She also defended Secretary Hegseth, stating he cares deeply about service members and meets with the armed forces frequently. At the briefing, Leavitt also announced that President Trump intends to attend the dignified transfer of remains at Dover Air Force Base for the fallen service members.

Pentagon Releases Identities of Fallen Service Members

The Pentagon confirmed the identities of four of the six service members killed: Army Reserve Captain Cody Khork, 35 (Florida); First Sergeant Noah Tietjens, 42 (Nebraska); and Sergeant Declan Coady, 20 (Iowa). The names of the remaining two have not yet been released.

President Trump Praises Campaign Progress

Speaking the same day, President Trump remarked that the conflict is proceeding favorably, giving it a score of "15 out of 10" when asked about the level of success. He said the U.S. is in a "very strong position" and suggested that Iran's military capabilities are rapidly degrading following precision strikes. Leavitt previously stated that Iran's leaders "are paying a price" and argued that the current moment marks a turning point in preventing the threat of Iran possessing nuclear weapons. According to Leavitt, U.S. negotiators had proposed partial sanctions relief and support for a civilian nuclear energy program if Iran abandoned its uranium enrichment activities. She said Iran rejected the offer. Leavitt also confirmed that a phone call between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu influenced the timing of the campaign, but emphasized that the final decision rested with the President. The debate between the administration and the media over the reporting of war casualties continues to be a political focal point amid escalating conflict and conflicting views from opposition politicians.

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