Iran Declares Persian-Language Foreign Media Military Targets Amid Internal Crackdown
Iran's armed forces have declared Persian-language media outlets operating outside the country, including BBC Persian, Iran International, and Radio Farda, as military targets. This announcement coincides with Tehran's intensified crackdown on local content creators and independent streaming channels on YouTube, aiming to suppress alternative narratives opposing the official line of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps since the conflict began in February 2026. Armed Forces spokesperson Abu al-Fadl Shakarji accused these media outlets of direct collaboration with Mossad, the CIA, and enemy intelligence services, stating that "Iran's armed forces do not consider them as media outlets."
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian source contradicted a statement by Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohabi, who claimed an agreement had been reached with Oman regarding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The source clarified that negotiations are ongoing, with no final deal yet. Mohabi blamed the United States for delays and demanded conditions for reopening the strait, despite U.S. President Donald Trump asserting that the strait remains open and secure and expressing no rush for negotiations.
In response to rising tensions, Qatar's Foreign Ministry announced that Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will visit Tehran to discuss freedom of navigation and foster dialogue. Oil prices have fallen for the third consecutive day amid these developments. The British and U.S. embassies in Tehran have not yet officially responded to Iran's designation of foreign Persian-language media as military targets. International media organizations have previously condemned similar Iranian measures against journalists and foreign broadcasters.
The ongoing uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz's status continues to impact global oil transport, as Tehran insists any arrangement depends on Washington removing obstacles. While Qatar pursues diplomatic mediation, the Trump administration currently focuses on tightening economic sanctions and threatening penalties against entities trading with Iran, rather than initiating renewed large-scale military strikes.
