How U.S. Media Has Covered Trump's Bold Iran Strike

Here's how the New York Post, Daily News, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal have responded to President Donald Trump’s strike on Iran with distinct perspectives:

The NYT’s live updates report that Pentagon officials confirmed “severe damage” to Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, though they caution it’s too early to determine if Iran retains nuclear capability. The paper highlights Trump’s claim of “completely and totally obliterated” facilities but notes a senior official’s admission that Fordow was not destroyed, only severely damaged. It covers Iran’s vow to defend itself, missile retaliation injuring 16 in Israel, and international reactions, including Pope Leo XIV’s anti-war message and protests worldwide. Congressional reactions show Republican support and Democratic criticism over constitutionality, while analysts like Steven Erlanger and Ellie Geranmayeh suggest the strike may push Iran toward nuclearization despite Trump’s intent.

New York Post: The Post, in an article by Caitlin Doornbos and Ryan King at 9:04 AM ET, celebrates the strike as the “biggest ever B-2 raid” under “Operation Midnight Hammer,” using 14 GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs for the first time in combat. It quotes Gen. Dan Caine confirming Iran’s surprise and no shots fired at U.S. aircraft, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praising Trump’s leadership. The coverage emphasizes the historic 18-hour flight and satellite images of Fordow’s damage, aligning with a pro-Trump narrative, though it notes Iran’s condemnation by Araghchi.

Wall Street Journal (WSJ): The WSJ, updated at 9:55 AM ET, frames the strike as a deceptive operation with B-2 bombers flying from Missouri while decoys misled Iran, causing “severe damage” to Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. It notes Trump’s abrupt order and warning of further action if Iran doesn’t negotiate, with U.S. urging talks despite Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi doubting diplomacy. The paper highlights regional anxiety, with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman condemning the strikes, and oil market concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. It reports Iran’s missile response injuring 16 in Israel, reflecting a focus on strategic and economic implications.

These responses show a spectrum from the Post’s enthusiastic support, the WSJ’s strategic analysis, the NYT’s balanced reporting with global context with ongoing developments shaping further coverage.