CNN stands by Iran war reporting after retired general challenges ‘unnamed sources’ on air

CNN has defended its reporting on the Iran war, despite criticism from a retired general who questioned the network's use of anonymous sources.

A spokesperson for CNN stated that the network stands by its reporting, which included claims about negotiations and conversations between Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and senior Trump administration officials. The spokesperson declined to comment further on how the network vetted its sources or addressed criticism from retired Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, who appeared on CNN Saturday.

Kimmitt had challenged CNN's reporting during an interview with a CNN anchor, citing inconsistencies in the network's sourcing. He noted that earlier reports had stated there were no negotiations underway between the US and Iran, but later reports revealed that such talks were indeed taking place. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have publicly confirmed that negotiations are ongoing.

The dispute over sourcing has sparked debate about the use of anonymous sources in journalism. Joseph Holstead, public affairs adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, declined to comment on CNN's report or Kimmitt's assessment, but agreed with a characterization that CNN's sources lacked firsthand knowledge of the conversations described in the report.

The Trump administration has continued negotiations intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed due to Iranian military activity. The US Central Command had halted attacks against Iranian targets while Washington and Tehran pursued an agreement.