The Defense Department under Hegseth has a strained relationship with the press corps that covers it. Most major media companies have withdrawn their reporters from the Pentagon rather than accept the new rules of the Trump administration restricting their movement and access to sources.

Their Pentagon spots have been taken by reporters from a newly formed media corps who agreed to the rules and largely work for outlets favorable to President Donald Trump.

The Pentagon issues press passes to the reporters who left their beats to attend Hegseth's war briefings. Although Hegseth rarely calls on those traditional media reporters, he did call on one, Eric Schmitt of The New York Times, on Tuesday.

The Times has sued the Trump administration to challenge Hegseth's rules, and a hearing in that case was held last week before federal judge Paul Friedman.

"As the Times has long argued, it is of the utmost importance and in the public interest to allow journalists to fully cover the US military," said Charles Stadtlander, a Times spokesperson. "That includes photojournalists, who deserve access and credentials to attend briefings at the Pentagon."

The Associated Press has not yet commented on the ban on access for its photographers. Hegseth still allows video cameras to film briefings.

White House spokesperson Carolyn Leavitt said Tuesday that the administration will not allow The Times to "pressure" it regarding the investigation into the bombing of a girls' school in Iran. About 175 people were killed in that attack, including many students.

The New York Times reported yesterday, citing anonymous sources, that preliminary findings from the investigation indicate the US is responsible for the bombing. According to the report, the military believes it relied on outdated intelligence when selecting the target for the Tomahawk missile used in the attack.