CNN stood firm on its reporting after retired Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt questioned the network regarding its anonymous sources related to the Iran war. In a statement to Fox News Digital, CNN reaffirmed its trust in the validity of their report.
Joseph Holstead, public affairs adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not comment on the content of CNN’s report. He agreed with Fox News Digital’s assessment that CNN’s sources lacked direct knowledge about the discussions mentioned.
“We are not going to comment on it nor the opinion of a commentator,” said Holstead.
Kimmitt raised doubts about the accuracy of CNN’s information during an interview, highlighting inconsistencies within the network’s stories. CNN had reported that Gen. Dan Caine was exploring a peaceful resolution due to potential negative outcomes of military escalation. Kimmitt noted earlier reports from unnamed sources erroneously stated that no talks were occurring. This was contradicted when President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance confirmed negotiations.
Trump’s involvement in these discussions and Vance’s comments to Fox News Digital about efforts to restore oil and gas traffic through the Strait of Hormuz supported the claims. The Republican National Committee’s spokesperson, Natalie Baldassarre, defended Trump’s Iran policy, emphasizing its effectiveness in national security.
“President Trump’s ‘Peace through Strength’ policy has prevented Iran from developing a nuclear weapon,” she remarked.
CNN maintained that their article didn’t report the inexistence of negotiations. It quoted three informed sources, mentioning Caine’s private briefing to senior Trump officials regarding the risks of escalating conflict with Iran. One source stated, “Caine is looking for an off-ramp.” Although Caine’s spokesperson Joseph Holstead dismissed anonymous commentary, he chose not to reveal Caine’s exact discourse with the administration.
Kimmitt also mentioned that the U.S. hadn’t met its main goals in Iran regarding nuclear and missile programs, and proxy support. He included the strategic concerns with the Strait of Hormuz and broader international dynamics such as China and Ukraine when advising the president.
“We are not close to achieving our strategic objectives,” Kimmitt acknowledged.
CNN anchor Omar Jimenez clarified the network’s preference for named sources, resonating with Kimmitt’s perspective.
The ongoing negotiations by the Trump administration aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Fox News Digital reported a halt in U.S. Central Command’s attacks, following days of strikes on Iranian targets, as diplomatic progress was pursued. Efforts to contact Kimmitt for further comments were unsuccessful at the time.
CJ Womack, associate editor at Fox News, contributes significantly to political journalism. With a background in Political Science and Journalism from Long Beach State University, he continues to analyze and report on media developments.