Trump administration officials said Wednesday that photographs showing Iranian boats equipped with missiles were the cause of the recent escalation between the U.S. and Iran, claiming they were evidence that Iranian paramilitaries in the Persian Gulf were preparing to target U.S. naval vessels. The New York Times cited three unnamed officials who made the claim, which widely contradicts other officials—including Europeans, Iraqis, members of both parties in Congress and some Trump administration officials—who reportedly said the missiles are likely defensive weapons.