Iranian armed forces designated several foreign-based Persian-language media outlets as military targets, including Radio Farda, which is operated by the U.S. broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and based in Prague. According to an announcement made on Wednesday by military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi and reported by AFP, the list also includes BBC Persian and Iran International.
Military Targets and Intelligence Accusations
During the Wednesday announcement, Shekarchi accused the targeted foreign broadcasters of cooperating with American and Israeli intelligence services. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Shekarchi stated that the outlets function as soldiers of Zionism and the United States, adding that Iranian armed forces do not consider them to be legitimate media organizations. At the time of the announcement, official responses from RFE/RL and Czech authorities were not yet available, though Czech news agency ČTK reported it was seeking reactions.
Did You Know? The Iranian regime previously designated the Persian-language service of the British public broadcaster BBC and the London-based private Iranian exile television station Iran International as terrorist organizations in 2022.
Context of Media Controls in Iran
Tehran has long accused Persian-language media based abroad of collaborating with Israel. Control over information dissemination inside Iran tightened significantly following the start of the war against Iran, which was initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28. In the wake of that conflict, the Iranian regime intensified media oversight and blocked standard internet connectivity for multiple weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which media outlets were placed on Iran’s military target list?
The list includes Radio Farda (operated by RFE/RL and based in Prague), BBC Persian, and Iran International, according to the announcement by military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi.
What accusations did the Iranian military make against these stations?
Military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi accused the outlets of cooperating with American and Israeli intelligence agencies, claiming they have direct links to the CIA and Mossad and describing them as “soldiers of Zionism and the United States.”
How has the Iranian government previously treated these organizations?
In 2022, the Iranian regime placed the Persian-language service of the BBC and the London-based station Iran International on its list of terrorist organizations.
How might this military designation affect the safety and operational security of foreign-based Persian-language journalists?
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