Middle East analysts have criticized NBC's Lester Holt for what they perceive as a failure to challenge Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's assertions during a recent interview. A key point of contention revolves around Pezeshkian's denial of Iran's involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, a claim the U.S. Justice Department made in November. Pezeshkian dismissed the accusations, suggesting it was an Israeli fabrication designed to fuel anti-Iranian sentiment.

Critics, including Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against a Nuclear Iran, argue that Holt provided Pezeshkian with an unchallenged platform, allowing him to disseminate potentially misleading information to the American public. Brodsky highlighted the Iranian regime's tendency to leverage U.S. media to shape public perception. Human rights activist and Israeli journalist Emily Shrader echoed this sentiment, labeling Pezeshkian's denial a blatant falsehood and referencing a 2022 animated video published on Ayatollah Khamenei’s website that seemingly depicts an attack on Trump. The video references retribution for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

Both Brodsky and Shrader expressed disappointment in Holt's journalistic approach, suggesting he missed a crucial opportunity to hold Pezeshkian accountable and to give voice to those oppressed by the Iranian regime. They believe Holt should have presented counter-evidence, like the animated video, and pressed the Iranian president for a response. NBC News has not yet commented on the criticism.