Networks Come Together for Continuous Coverage of U.S. and Israel’s Actions Against Iran
Broadcast and cable news networks quickly mobilized to provide ongoing coverage of the U.S. and Israel’s military strikes against Iran, marking a significant development in Donald Trump’s second term as president.
As strikes targeted Tehran, American news outlets aired a mix of agency-supplied footage alongside videos from individual sources. With Iran launching retaliatory strikes, correspondents reporting from cities including Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi shared real-time updates.
On CNN International, alarm bells rang as anchor Becky Anderson, reporting from the UAE, informed viewers that shelter-in-place orders were issued due to incoming attacks, prompting an immediate commercial break.
Later, Anderson reassured viewers, stating, “We are all safe,” while confirming retaliatory strikes not only in the UAE but also in Bahrain and Qatar, countries that host U.S. military bases.
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On NBC News, weekend anchors Peter Alexander and Laura Jarrett conducted an interview with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who claimed that “all high-ranking officials are alive,” asserting that “we are handling this situation, and everything is fine.” However, the network noted that it could not independently verify these statements. Meanwhile, ABC News released a satellite image showcasing damage at the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who Israeli media reported may have been killed in the attacks.
News networks have consistently provided updates throughout the night. CNN interrupted its live show, “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson,” for breaking news. Fox News commenced coverage at 1:38 a.m. ET, followed closely by MS NOW at 1:48 a.m. ET, NBC News at 1:44 a.m. ET, and CBS News at 2:28 a.m. ET.
In contrast to last year’s strikes aimed at Iran’s suspected nuclear sites, President Trump indicated that the ambitions of the current military action extend far beyond, suggesting a goal of regime change.
Jennifer Griffin, chief national security correspondent for Fox News, remarked, “I’m talking to people who suggest that while this won’t be a matter of hours, it will be a matter of days, but really it could be up to a matter of weeks as well.”
The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees government international broadcasting, reported that President Trump’s announcement was being disseminated through Voice of America, stating, “The brave people of Iran are hearing him — and so are citizens living under oppressive regimes around the world.” The effectiveness of this effort remains uncertain, particularly as the agency has faced significant cutbacks. Kari Lake mentioned on X that the Persian translation of Trump’s remarks had been made available on the Persian section of the VOA service. Notably, BBC reports indicated an internet blackout within Iran during this period.
Some of the most striking imagery from the conflict emerged on social media, including a post by Lucas Tomlinson of Fox News, which depicted an explosion in Bahrain.
Iranian Shahed 136 one-way attack drone hits U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain pic.twitter.com/mw9xUD3tCz
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) February 28, 2026
More to come.
