The US Defense Department has blocked press photographers from attending briefings on the ongoing conflict with Iran after several outlets published photos of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that his staff deemed “unflattering.” The decision comes days after a joint military strike on Iran, which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite releasing the photos online for public use, Hegseth’s staff decided to restrict access to photographers from subsequent briefings.
The move has sparked criticism from media groups, including the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), which advocates for photographers’ rights. The NPPA condemned the decision, stating that it raises fresh First Amendment concerns and shows a poor sense of priorities during a time of war.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/11/hegseth-press-briefings-photos-iran