Story perspectives

Pentagon Restricts Press Access Amid Controversial Briefings

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon has restricted press access to briefings on the Iran war, barring photographers.
The policy change followed unflattering images of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which his staff criticized.
The March 2 briefing followed the U.S. and Israel killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Major news organizations questioned the transparency of Hegseth's administration.
A federal judge is reviewing a legal challenge from The New York Times regarding these restrictions.

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Story summary

The Pentagon has restricted press access to briefings on the Iran war, barring photographers.
The policy change followed unflattering images of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which his staff criticized.
The March 2 briefing followed the U.S. and Israel killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Major news organizations questioned the transparency of Hegseth's administration.
A federal judge is reviewing a legal challenge from The New York Times regarding these restrictions.