CNN’s only correspondent currently stationed in Iran, Frederik Pleitgen, is drawing criticism for his portrayal of life within the country amidst the escalating conflict involving the US and Israel.

Broadcasting from the route leading to Tehran, Pleitgen described a situation that he characterized as ‘business as usual’ despite the ongoing turmoil. This depiction, however, has been met with skepticism given the tense circumstances.

In his coverage, Pleitgen acknowledged the presence of heavily armed checkpoints and uniformed personnel. Yet, in an unexpected observation, he reported that there were ‘no signs of panic’ among the populace.

Pleitgen’s narrative illustrated a picture of tranquility, noting that local shops were open and brimming with fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables. He highlighted that there were no significant queues and fuel was ‘readily available’ at gas stations, further stating, “You just don’t see any sort of degree of panic anywhere.”

Perhaps most strikingly, during his report, Pleitgen nonchalantly sipped on a cup of coffee handed to him while on air, reinforcing his depiction of an unaffected daily life.

At one point, he casually sipped a cup of coffee that was handed to him on air.

Now, furious Iranians are hitting back.

Outraged activists and local influencers have taken to social media in droves to savagely mock and tear down the network’s reporting, accusing CNN of broadcasting a ‘parallel universe’ and calling their reporting ‘garbage.’

Viral videos and furious comments, including a massive backlash on Instagram, are painting a vastly different, much darker picture of a population terrified of what comes next.

Outraged activists and local influencers have taken to social media in droves to savagely mock and tear down the network’s reporting, accusing CNN of broadcasting a ‘parallel universe’ and calling their reporting ‘garbage’

Outraged activists and local influencers have taken to social media in droves to savagely mock and tear down the network’s reporting, accusing CNN of broadcasting a ‘parallel universe’ and calling their reporting ‘garbage’

Terrified Iranian families are fearfully retreating inside their homes, rationing food and water – bracing for a horrific slaughter at the hands of their own government if allied military strikes fail to completely obliterate the regime. This photo was sent exclusively to the Daily Mail showing a rooftop in Tehran

Stores are shuttered, and ATMs are empty. ‘The price of fundamental things like water have skyrocketed,’ the source noted

Nazanin Nour, a California-based Iranian influencer, actress and model, posted a video online dissecting the reporter’s claims one by one.

‘I think one of the reasons there aren’t long lines at the gas stations, is because, and I’m going to go out on a limb here, a lot of people are staying inside because, um, the country is getting bombed?’ Nour sarcastically pointed out.

In another clip, where the reporter mentioned the grocery stores being stocked, Nour hits back, saying, ‘Yeah, the shelves are probably pretty stocked because most people can’t afford groceries right now.’

‘You just don’t see any sort of degree of panic anywhere,’ he continues in his report.

Nour responds with this: ‘Did you see the panic of the people who were getting shot at by the IRGC when they were chanting from the rooftops? Did you see the panic of the people who were getting stopped at armed checkpoints and being threatened?’

‘Did you see the panic of the people who were watching state-controlled television today as the IRGC said if anyone shows any enthusiasm or excitement for what the U.S. and Israel are doing, we can shoot to kill you?’

A Trump administration official took to social media to attack the report.

Dylan Johnson, the new assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, posted a small part of his report on X, writing, ‘CNN appears to now be doing straight-up pro-Iran regime propaganda because someone gave this guy a coffee…’

In another recent report, Pleitgen and photojournalist Claudia Otto join pro-regime demonstrators.

Nazanin Nour, a California-based Iranian influencer, actress and model, posted a video online dissecting the reporter’s claims one by one

Explosions in Tehran following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel

The caption for their video online mentions that they are joining as ‘the government attempts to put on a defiant face.’

They also mention online that ‘CNN operates in Iran only with government permission.’

The stark disconnect between CNN’s on-the-ground broadcast and the reality of the war comes as the U.S. and Israel continue a massive, multi-day bombing campaign across the region. 

The US has said that over 2,000 targets have already been hit as the conflict enters its second week.

Far from the relaxed atmosphere depicted in Tehran, the US government is currently treating the region as an active and highly volatile war zone.

Dylan Johnson, who called out the CNN broadcast, confirmed earlier this week that the State Department is officially scrambling to evacuate U.S. citizens.

Taking to X, Johnson stated that the government is ‘actively securing military aircraft and charter flights for American citizens who wish to leave the Middle East.’

The State Department is already in direct contact with nearly 3,000 Americans trapped abroad in the region, urging them to reach out for emergency departure options as civilian airspace shuts down and neighboring Gulf nations brace for potential spillover violence.