Iran Designates Foreign Persian-Language Media Outlets as Military Targets

Iran's armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi announced on state television that several foreign-based Persian-language media outlets—including BBC Persian, Iran International, and Radio Farda—have been added to the military's target list. Accusing the news organizations of operating as intelligence assets for Mossad, the CIA, and hostile Western agencies, Shekarchi stated that Iran no longer considers them legitimate media outlets. The announcement did not clarify the locations or methods of potential strikes, representing a significant escalation in Iranian state threats against foreign diaspora news organizations.

// Background

Iran has routinely accused foreign Persian-language broadcasters of collaborating with Israeli and American intelligence. In 2022, Iran designated London-based Iran International as a terrorist entity. Threat escalations forced the network to relocate briefly to Washington, D.C. in 2023 before returning to London. In April 2026, premises associated with Iran International's parent company in London were targeted in an arson attack.

// Key Developments

• Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi declared foreign Persian-language news outlets to be military targets.
• BBC Persian, Iran International, and Radio Farda were specifically named by Iranian authorities.
• The Iranian military claimed the outlets work directly for US and Israeli intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Mossad.
• Iran previously designated London-based Iran International as a terrorist organization in 2022.