Trump threatens legal action against media organisations over Iran leak

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump threatened legal action against journalists and media organisations over a leak related to a high-risk US rescue mission in Iran, saying reporters could face jail if they refused to reveal their sources.

“We’re looking very hard to find that leaker,” Trump said, adding that the administration would tell the media outlet involved: “national security, give it up or go to jail.”

Trump said the leak revealed that one American airman was still missing after another had been rescued, alerting Iranian authorities and complicating the operation. “All of a sudden, the entire country of Iran knew,” he said.

He called the source a “sick person” and warned that “the person that did the story will go to jail if he doesn’t say”.

The remarks come amid broader concerns over press freedom and national security reporting. The President said: “Give it up or go to jail,” referring to the identity of the source who disclosed details about the missing airman.