CNN has maintained its stance on the accuracy of its reporting following remarks by retired Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt. During a recent interview, Kimmitt challenged CNN’s use of anonymous sources in a report on Iran, including statements related to negotiations and the position of Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
A CNN spokesperson confirmed their support for the reporting in a statement to Fox News Digital. Meanwhile, Joseph Holstead, a public affairs advisor for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, refrained from commenting on CNN’s report or Kimmitt’s viewpoint. He agreed with the suggestion that CNN’s sources lacked firsthand details of the discussions described.
Kimmitt expressed concerns about accuracy when questioned about CNN’s report of Caine seeking a diplomatic ‘off-ramp’ due to potential military escalation risks. Kimmitt noted that unnamed sources previously claimed no negotiations were occurring, which later proved false. By then, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance had confirmed active discussions. Trump personally engaged in talks, while Vance disclosed that U.S. officials were negotiating with Iran to restore oil and gas flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
RNC national spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre praised Trump’s approach, labeling his foreign policy as effective in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. She stated, “The American people trust President Trump and voters will continue to favor our candidates aligned with his national security strategies.”
CNN responded to Fox News by affirming its report, despite Kimmitt’s live questioning of their sourcing. An article on Friday cited three sources familiar with the situation, indicating Caine had doubts about airpower achieving Trump’s goals and viewed escalation as risky. Anonymously, a source noted, “Caine is looking for an off-ramp.”
The article included Holstead’s official response, rejecting anonymous portrayals of Caine’s private talks without revealing discussions with Trump or other leaders. Holstead commented, “We do not discuss confidential conversations nor do we address anonymous characterizations by non-privy sources.”
Kimmitt also criticized wider U.S. efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile threats, and proxy support. He stated, “We are not near achieving our strategic objectives.” He reminded that the Strait of Hormuz remains a significant issue.
CNN’s Jimenez acknowledged a preference for officials to go on record, aligning with journalistic practices. This sourcing debate emerged as negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz progressed, accompanied by reports of U.S. military pauses during talks.
Fox News Digital contacted Kimmitt for additional comments but did not receive an immediate response. CJ Womack, an associate editor with Fox News Digital since 2026, contributed to this report. Womack, with a background in political science and journalism, emphasizes journalism’s crucial impact on political and cultural dialogue. He invites news tips via email and connects on Twitter.