“I’m dumbfounded,” said one unnamed “former U.S. official” who provided CNN with color commentary for its report alleging that Trump administration officials were shocked by Iran’s efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. “Planning around preventing this exact scenario — impossible as it has long seemed — has been a bedrock principle of US national security policy for decades,” the official added.

Indeed, the claim is hard to believe. But CNN is sticking to the story to which no fewer than four of its reporters contributed:

Top Trump officials acknowledged to lawmakers during recent classified briefings that they did

Top Trump officials acknowledged to lawmakers during recent classified briefings that they did

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