Trump blasts media and Democrats amid Iran war coverage and ongoing peace talks

WASHINGTON, DC: US President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at major news organizations and Democratic critics, claiming they would portray even a total Iranian surrender as a loss for the United States.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump argued that sections of the media would refuse to acknowledge an American victory regardless of the outcome of the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Trump targets media in fiery social media post

The president said that even if Iran formally surrendered, admitted defeat and signed what he described as “Documents of Surrender,” news outlets and Democrats would still frame the situation as a triumph for Tehran.

Trump specifically criticized outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and CNN, accusing them of bias and describing them as part of the “Fake News Media.” He also said Democrats and media organizations had “totally lost their way.”

The comments came as the United States and Iran continue negotiations over a potential framework aimed at ending the conflict that began 80 days ago following military action by the US and Israel.

"If Iran surrenders, admits their Navy is gone and resting at the bottom of the sea, and their Air Force is no longer with us, and if their entire Military walks out of Tehran, weapons dropped and hands held high, each shouting “I surrender, I surrender," he wrote.

Further, he added, "While wildly waving the representative White Flag, and if their entire remaining Leadership signs all necessary “Documents of Surrender,” and admit their defeat to the great power and force of the magnificent U.S.A., The Failing New York Times, The China Street Journal (WSJ!), Corrupt and now Irrelevant CNN, and all other members of the Fake News Media, will headline that Iran had a Masterful and Brilliant Victory over The United States of America, it wasn’t even close. The Dumacrats and Media have totally lost their way. They have gone absolutely CRAZY!!!," he added.

Trump renews warning to Tehran

Although Trump did not reveal details of the latest diplomatic proposals exchanged between Washington and Tehran, he reiterated pressure on the Iranian leadership to reach a deal quickly.

Over the weekend, Trump warned that the “clock is ticking” for Iran to agree to terms to end the conflict.

The president has repeatedly threatened renewed military strikes if negotiations collapse, though he has also extended ceasefires in the past to allow diplomatic talks to continue.

Iranian state-linked media on Monday reported that US officials had agreed to suspend sanctions on Iranian crude oil exports while negotiations continue, a move that could ease tensions and reduce fears of a return to large-scale hostilities.

The report, published by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, cited an unnamed source close to the Iranian negotiating team. The Trump administration has not publicly confirmed the claim.

Iran rejects key US nuclear demands

Despite reports of progress, Iranian officials signaled that major disagreements remain unresolved.

Tasnim later quoted another source close to the negotiating process saying “fundamental differences remain” because of what Iran views as excessive American demands.

The source criticized US calls for Iran to surrender its enriched uranium stockpile and sharply limit its nuclear activities, describing those conditions as politically motivated and inconsistent with Iran’s national rights.

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes and denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

“The Americans must understand that Iran will never accept ending the war in exchange for nuclear commitments,” the source was quoted as saying.