Iran media directive tells foreign outlets to bar content use by Israeli media

Iran has tightened controls on how international outlets share news material from inside the country. A new order told foreign media in Tehran to stop Israeli media using their reports. It also set strict wording that must appear on content sent out. The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance issued the instructions.

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The directive applied to items filed from Iran, including photos, videos, written reports, and other media products. It was sent on Tuesday to several organisations, including The Associated Press. The Farsi text said the outlet sending material carried responsibility for any breach. The rules also targeted Farsi-language TV stations based outside Iran.

Iran restrictions on Israeli media use of international news content

The mandatory wording said the submitted material could not be used by Israeli media. It also barred use by Farsi-language channels based outside Iran. Iran has enforced similar limits for years. Those rules aimed at BBC Persian, VOA Persian, Manoto TV and Iran International. Outlets risked losing permission to operate if they failed.

Even with these controls, overseas Farsi-language media often still obtain visuals. Many access images and videos released by Iranian state media. They use different websites and messaging apps. Iranian authorities have also limited domestic access to foreign sources. Satellite dishes are illegal, though many households use them to watch channels from abroad.

Iran restrictions amid war and international news content tensions

The expanded curbs came three months after US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The strikes developed into a continuing regional war that sometimes flares up. On the 88th day of the conflict, President Donald Trump said a peace deal was close. Iran, on Tuesday, criticised the latest US strikes as bad faith.

Freedom House, a Washington-based group, ranks Iran as lacking free and independent media. It says hard-liners control all television channels under the theocracy. Freedom House also reports harassment and arrests for journalists in other outlets. Internet access to the outside world has been cut off for weeks, limiting reporting and distribution.

The Tuesday directive showed Iran was tightening enforcement rather than easing rules. It placed compliance duties on each international outlet that files material from Tehran. The requirements also sought to curb reuse by Israeli media and foreign-based Farsi channels. The steps followed months of conflict and added pressure on reporting conditions inside Iran.

With inputs from PTI