The administration understands the story is damaging. If Iran is cheating now with sanctions still in place, then it is only logical to assume the Iranians will cheat when sanctions are relieved under the terms of the final deal. However, by campaigning against the Times piece--on Twitter feeds, like Harf's and that of Obama aide Ben Rhodes, in several press conferences, and through former negotiators--all the Obama White House has done is underscore its vulnerability.