WASHINGTON: Israeli journalist Amit Segal has acknowledged that he was the first to report the rescue of a US airman in Iran, as Donald Trump intensified his criticism of the media and threatened legal action against those responsible for the leak.
Segal confirmed in remarks cited by Newsweek that his report was based on confidential sources, but firmly rejected any suggestion that he would disclose their identities.
“I will safeguard my sources at all costs,” he said, underscoring the ethical obligations journalists face when covering highly sensitive military developments.
According to Reuters, the controversy follows a high-risk US military operation triggered after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over southwestern Iran on April 3.
Of the two crew members onboard, one was rescued shortly after the incident, while efforts to locate the second officer continued for nearly 48 hours, heightening tensions within defence and diplomatic circles. Both airmen were ultimately recovered safely.
President Trump, speaking at a White House press conference, sharply criticised the premature disclosure of the rescue, arguing that it could have jeopardised the ongoing mission.
He vowed to identify the source of the leak and suggested that media organisations could face legal consequences if they refused to cooperate.
“We’re going to go to the media company that released it and say, ‘National security—hand it over or face jail,’” Trump said, signalling a hardening stance towards the press.
However, the president did not specify which journalist or media outlet he was referring to. Several prominent organisations, including The New York Times, CBS News, and Axios, reported on the rescue within a short timeframe.
The White House has yet to clarify whether any specific legal action is being pursued. Trump’s comments reflect a broader escalation in tensions between his administration and the media.
In recent weeks, he has privately expressed dissatisfaction with coverage of the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran, while publicly accusing certain outlets of undermining national interests.
Pressure has also extended to broadcasters. Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, recently warned that networks accused of airing “false information” should reconsider their editorial approach ahead of licence renewal reviews.
The remarks, accompanied by a social media post from Trump criticising the press, have further fuelled concerns among media watchdogs about the implications for press freedom during times of conflict.
