The White House has definitively pushed back on “reports” that President Donald Trump was considering a major cabinet shake that would have involved the firing of War Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe over their purported objections to the peace agreement with Iran.
The initial report appeared in Israel Hayom, citing anonymous sources familiar with the administration. It suggested that internal debates over the Iran agreement had concluded and that officials who had expressed reservations could face consequences.
The article identified Hegseth and Ratcliffe as among those potentially affected, quoting an alleged source as stating, “The debate has been settled. Anyone who opposed it could pay a personal price.”
Outlets such as the Daily Express and others subsequently covered the story, linking it to broader discussions within the administration about the deal’s terms, including concerns over Iran’s compliance with nuclear-related commitments.
According to those accounts, Hegseth, Ratcliffe, and others, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio in some descriptions, had raised questions during internal deliberations about the feasibility of Iran’s concessions. This was contrasted with support from figures such as Vice President JD Vance and envoys involved in the negotiations.
The reporting framed these differences as potential grounds for personnel changes, amid ongoing talks following recent U.S.-Iran tensions.
In response, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly issued a clear denial. “I have never heard of this ‘reporter,’” Kelly posted on X while tagging Israel Hayom reporter Danny Zaken. “Until he started consistently pushing fake news without reaching out to the White House for comment. To be clear, this clown has no idea what he is talking about and his ‘sources’ are probably the voices in his head.”
I have never heard of this “reporter” @ZakenDanny91125 until he started consistently pushing fake news without reaching out to the White House for comment.
To be clear, this clown has no idea what he is talking about and his “sources” are probably the voices in his head. https://t.co/12w5hPMJgK
— Anna Kelly (@AnnaKelly47) June 16, 2026
The refutation follows the recent agreement on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran. This framework, reached after extended negotiations, includes provisions for a ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and initiating further discussions on Iran’s nuclear program over a 60-day period.
White House officials have described the process as intensive, involving daily senior-level meetings to address skepticism and align on terms that meet U.S. red lines. Hegseth has publicly described the MOU as on track, underscoring that military options remain available if needed while supporting the diplomatic path forward.
