Karoline Leavitt denies ‘mixed messaging’ claims about Trump’s Operation Epic Fury objectives

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt pushed back against claims of “mixed messaging” about the goals of Operation Epic Fury, arguing that Donald Trump and his administration have consistently communicated clear objectives for the military campaign targeting Iran’s capabilities.

In a social media thread on Wednesday, March 11, Leavitt accused left-leaning media outlets of promoting what she described as a false narrative about confusion within the administration regarding the operation’s goals.

She said the president and his national security team had repeatedly outlined the same objectives since the start of the operation.

Leavitt rejects ‘mixed messaging’

Karoline Leavitt wrote that the media narrative suggesting conflicting signals from the administration was inaccurate.

"The left-wing media is lying and pushing a fake narrative that there has been “mixed messaging” about the objectives of Operation Epic Fury."

She argued that the administration had been consistent from the beginning in explaining the mission’s goals to the American public and insisted that the objectives had been clearly outlined by the president and his national security team.

"From the beginning, President Trump and his entire team have consistently laid out clear objectives to the American people about what the U.S. Military seeks to accomplish through these ongoing successful major combat operations:"

Leavitt then listed what she described as the administration’s four main objectives for the operation, beginning with dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and military infrastructure.

"1.) Destroy the terrorist Iranian regime’s missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

She added that another goal of the campaign is targeting Iran’s naval capabilities to reduce its ability to project military power in the region. "2.) Annihilate the terrorist Iranian regime’s navy."

Leavitt also said the strategy includes limiting the influence of Iranian-backed groups that the United States accuses of destabilizing the region and attacking American forces. "3.) Ensure the regime’s fellow terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region and attack our forces"

Finally, she said the administration’s broader strategic goal remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. "4.) Guarantee the terrorist Iranian regime cannot obtain a nuclear weapon."

Trump outlines objectives

Leavitt also reposted a statement from Trump describing the operation’s goals.

"Our objectives are clear. First, we're destroying Iran's missile capabilities... Second, we're annihilating their navy... Third, we're ensuring that the world's number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon... And finally, we're ensuring that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders."

The remarks, according to Leavitt, demonstrate that the administration’s strategy has been communicated clearly from the outset.

Vance emphasizes nuclear focus

Leavitt’s thread also included comments from Vice President JD Vance, who said the central goal of the operation remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“Whatever happens with the regime in one form or another, it's incidental to the President's primary objective here — which is to make sure the Iranian terrorist regime does not build a nuclear bomb.”

His comments suggested that political changes within Iran are not the primary focus of the campaign.

Rubio echoes administration line

Leavitt further cited remarks from Marco Rubio, who also stressed that the administration’s objectives had remained unchanged.

“Our objectives remain, as they've been identified from the beginning...”

Leavitt said the statements from Trump, Vance and Rubio demonstrate that senior officials across the administration have delivered a consistent message about the goals of Operation Epic Fury, countering claims that the White House has sent conflicting signals about the mission.