Iran Tightens Control Over International News Content Distribution

Iran has intensified its restrictions on international news media, instructing outlets to limit the use of their content by Israeli media. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, affects various news services including The Associated Press.

Iran has imposed stricter limitations on how international news outlets can distribute their content, specifically instructing them not to allow use by Israeli media. This directive was issued to news organisations based in Tehran and sets mandatory language requirements for submitted media content, such as photos and videos.

These instructions were delivered by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which oversees media operations in Iran. The directive warns that any failure to comply will be the responsibility of the submitting outlet. The restrictions coincide with tensions that have been persisting for three months following military engagements with the United States and Israel.

The guidance demands that certain media content not be shared with Israeli media and Farsi-language broadcasters located outside Iran. Despite ongoing restrictions, many external Farsi-language media continue to acquire footage from Iranian state media through alternative means.

International observers, such as Freedom House, criticize Iran's lack of a free media environment, indicating government control over broadcasting. Although illegal, many Iranians use satellite dishes and circumvent internet limitations to access banned content.