US regulator threatens license revocation of media over Iran war coverage

US Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcast licenses over coverage of the US-Israeli military operation in Iran after criticism from President Donald Trump.

“Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions … have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr wrote on X, warning that stations must operate “in the public interest” or risk losing their licenses.

"The American people have subsidized broadcasters to the tune of billions of dollars by providing free access to the nation’s airwaves. It is very important to bring trust back into media, which has earned itself the label of fake news.," he added.

On Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (in particular), and other Lowlife 'Papers' and Media actually want us to lose the War... Their terrible reporting is the exact opposite of the actual facts!”

Senator Elizabeth Warren criticised the remarks, calling them “straight out of the authoritarian playbook.”

Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions - also known as the fake news - have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up.

The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they… https://t.co/7bBgnsbalw

— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) March 14, 2026