Trump Criticizes CNN for Disseminating False Iran Ceasefire Report, Connects Story to Nigerian News Outlet

Trump claims that CNN broadcast a misleading statement regarding an Iran ceasefire linked to a Nigerian source, calls for a retraction, and initiates an investigation into the report.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that CNN reported a “false statement” from Iran, which was reportedly sourced from a Nigerian news outlet, in light of the recent announcement of a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

The ceasefire agreement was disclosed approximately two hours prior to Trump’s ultimatum to dismantle Iranian “civilization.”

“The adversary, in its unjust, illegal, and criminal conflict against the Iranian people, has experienced an undeniable, historic, and overwhelming defeat,” CNN reported, citing a statement from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) following the ceasefire agreement.

The council stated that Iran secured a significant victory, compelling the US to acknowledge its 10-point plan.

Trump dismissed the assertion in a post on Truth Social.

“The statement released by CNN World News is a complete fabrication, as CNN is fully aware,” he stated.

He noted that the “false statement was associated with a fake news site (from Nigeria) and was promptly picked up by CNN, which broadcast it as a ‘legitimate’ headline.”

Trump failed to specify the Nigerian outlet or present any evidence to back his claim. In a separate post, he referred to it as “a new, troublemaking site from Nigeria.”

He also instructed CNN to retract the report, indicating that authorities had initiated investigations to ascertain whether the “terrible” reporting amounted to a crime.

In contrast, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, articulated what Trump referred to as the country’s official stance, expressing gratitude to Pakistan for facilitating the ceasefire.

“If attacks against Iran are stopped, our strong armed forces will end their defensive operations,” Araghchi stated.

“For a duration of two weeks, safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz will be achievable through collaboration with Iran’s Armed Forces, taking into account technical constraints.”

Araghchi indicated that he was representing the SNSC, Iran’s foremost security organization tasked with protecting national interests and the Islamic revolution.

At the same time, Tasnim, a news agency linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), released a comparable SNSC statement that echoed aspects of the CNN report.

“The adversary has experienced a clear, significant, and overwhelming defeat in its cowardly, unlawful, and criminal conflict against the Iranian people,” the statement reads.

The SNSC stated that “Iran achieved a significant victory and compelled the criminal America to acknowledge its 10-point plan,” congratulating citizens on this outcome.

Brendan Carr, the chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, issued a warning that broadcasters may face the loss of their licenses if they do not operate in the public interest.

CNN defended its reporting, claiming that Iranian officials sourced the statement and various Iranian state media outlets disseminated it.