As the Iran war unfolds, here’s how to separate fact from spin

From ‘preemptive’ strikes to claims of thousands of targets hit, pay attention to how the language shapes the story

It should go without saying that any statement that comes from either side in the middle of a war aims to manipulate our understanding of the facts on the ground. The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran are no exception.

Iranian leaders claim that they still have a deadly capacity for counterattack. That might or might not be the case.

We need to be just as careful with statements from America’s leaders.

Every reader and viewer needs to bear in mind that facts are slippery when bombs, drones and missiles are flying. Below are some red flags to keep in mind as American officials selectively frame reality.