Iran government and state TV clash over negotiation coverage
7 reported
A public dispute has emerged between Iran’s government and state broadcaster IRIB over how to present the country’s stance on negotiations with the United States. The Government Information Council accused IRIB of censorship after parts of a speech by President Masoud Pezeshkian were not aired. IRIB rejected the accusations, saying it has a duty to prevent an appearance of division. The dispute follows a 12-day war with Israel last year and ongoing mediation efforts between Iran and the US. Mediators from Oman were in Tehran to discuss the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said the war was going well and that talks continue through mediators, but he did not expect an agreement soon.
What’s reported
The Government Information Council accused IRIB of censorship for not airing parts of President Pezeshkian’s speech.
IRIB responded, rejecting the accusations and emphasizing its duty to prevent an appearance of division.
Pezeshkian said former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly opposed negotiations with the US but privately approved them.
The government said parts of speeches by the parliament speaker and judiciary head were also cut.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized IRIB for not airing his wartime interviews with US media.
Mediators from Oman were in Tehran to discuss the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said the war was going well and talks continue through mediators, but no agreement is expected soon.
Key figures
President Masoud Pezeshkian
Former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Judiciary head Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei
IRIB chief Peyman Jebeli
US President Donald Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council
Hardline lawmaker Meysam Zohourian
Conservative journalist Mohammad Mohajeri
Reformist activist Mohammad-Sadegh Javadi-Hesar
Mohammad Mirzaei, member of parliament
Sources: Al Jazeera
