White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced intense questioning Tuesday over conflicting accounts of the Trump administration's military operation against Iran's nuclear facilities. The 28-year-old spokesperson snapped at reporters while defending President Donald Trump's claims that Operation Midnight Hammer had obliterated Iran's nuclear program. Her defensive stance came after special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested Iran remained weeks away from bomb-grade material.

Leavitt dismissed what she called sensationalist reporting and refused to address Witkoff's apparent contradiction. Instead, she doubled down on Trump's narrative, citing verification from the International Atomic Energy Commission. The press secretary accused journalists of spreading confusion through inaccurate coverage and warned against anonymous sourcing that purports to know the president's thinking.

The administration's messaging appears aimed at maintaining a tough stance on Iran while leaving room for diplomatic options. Leavitt emphasized Trump's preference for diplomacy but warned of military action if necessary. Meanwhile, the U.S. has deployed its largest military presence near Iran since the 2003 Iraq War, fueling speculation about potential escalation. The contradictory statements from administration officials underscore the delicate balance between projecting strength and pursuing negotiations as tensions with Tehran continue to simmer.