Iran’s armed forces have designated several major Persian-language news organizations operating outside the country as “military targets,” accusing them of collaborating with Israel’s Mossad, the CIA and other foreign intelligence agencies.
The outlets named by Tehran include BBC Persian, Iran International and Radio Farda, all of which provide Persian-language news coverage to audiences inside Iran from abroad.
Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi accused the organizations of directly cooperating with the Mossad, CIA and intelligence services of Iran’s enemies.
“The Iranian Armed Forces do not consider them media outlets,” Shekarchi declared.
The threat marks a significant escalation in the Iranian regime’s campaign against independent and opposition media. Since the outbreak of the conflict in February 2026, Iranian authorities have also intensified their crackdown on domestic content creators and independent YouTube and streaming channels as Tehran seeks to restrict information contradicting the regime’s official narrative.
The designation raises concerns that Iran could attempt to target journalists, employees or facilities associated with the three organizations outside Iranian territory.
The development comes amid continued tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Iranian source on Wednesday contradicted an earlier announcement by an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman claiming that an agreement had been reached with Oman regarding shipping routes through the strategic waterway. The senior source told Reuters that Iran and Oman are still working out the details.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani would travel to Tehran for discussions focused on freedom of navigation and efforts to create conditions for renewed dialogue.
President Donald Trump has said he is in no rush to return to negotiations with Tehran and has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz is open and safe.
Neither the British Embassy in Tehran nor the United States had issued an official response to Iran’s designation of the Persian-language media organizations as military targets.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
