Tensions Flare Between Iranian Government and State Broadcaster Amid Diplomatic Efforts with the US

Tehran, Iran – A public confrontation has erupted between the Iranian administration and state television regarding the media coverage of ongoing negotiations and military tensions with the United States, occurring even as international mediators attempt to facilitate diplomacy.

On Friday, the Government Information Council accused the state broadcaster, IRIB, of “censorship” after segments of a recent speech by President Masoud Pezeshkian were omitted from the broadcast.

The broadcaster, headed by an official appointed by the Supreme Leader, issued a rebuttal on Saturday. The network rejected the government’s “accusations and improper attributions,” maintaining that it has a fundamental duty to prevent the perception of “duality in the country’s leadership pillars.”

In his address, Pezeshkian noted that following last year’s 12-day conflict with Israel, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had publicly denied any intention to negotiate with Washington, despite privately granting authorization for the move.

“We approached the Supreme Leader, explained the circumstances, and sought guidance since he had noted that ‘no war, no peace’ conditions are detrimental to the nation,” the president stated. “He directed us to pursue negotiations, and we have proceeded accordingly.”

The government’s statement characterized the editing of the speech as part of a pattern of “unusual actions” by state television regarding recent commentary from the heads of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The Council noted that earlier this month, an interview with parliamentary speaker and lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf concerning negotiations was also edited. Additionally, a portion of a speech by judiciary head Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei expressing support for the president was reportedly withheld from airwaves.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also criticized IRIB, stating in a recent interview that he has “fought with a sword” during wartime media engagements with outlets such as Fox News and CNN. The Foreign Minister expressed frustration that while he works to present Iran’s position to Western policymakers, the state broadcaster often only provides minimal subtitles from these high-stakes interviews.

Araghchi further dismissed hardline claims that the recently suspended memorandum of understanding with the US was “imposed” upon the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, describing the deal as the most favorable option available under current circumstances.

In its official response, the government attributed these broadcasting choices to a “political faction within” the state broadcaster, suggesting these actions could undermine national security and social cohesion.

IRIB countered by stating that broadcasting the president’s specific remarks would have created an appearance of political division.

Both sides have accused the other of violating the directive issued last week by Mojtaba Khamenei to maintain “sacred unity” amidst military, economic, and diplomatic pressures from the United States.

Mohammad Mirzaei, a Member of Parliament and spokesperson for an oversight committee on IRIB, stated on Saturday that the broadcaster’s leadership has been warned to present diverse viewpoints and act as a symbol of national unity.

Local political commentators have been divided, with some describing the broadcaster as increasingly expensive yet ineffective, while reformists have criticized the situation as a conflict between the elected government and a state media apparatus operating against it.

Reports suggest President Pezeshkian has sharply reprimanded IRIB chief Peyman Jebeli during cabinet meetings regarding these disputes. Jebeli was appointed by Ali Khamenei in 2021.

While some hardline lawmakers claim the president has threatened to cut the state broadcaster’s budget, the administration has not officially confirmed this measure.

Amid these domestic tensions, Omani mediators were in Tehran on Friday to discuss the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway and a primary point of contention between the US and Iran.

Separately, US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the conflict is progressing “extremely well” and noted an upcoming visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While he acknowledged ongoing mediation, he expressed skepticism regarding any imminent agreement.

The US President declined to comment on whether threats to attack Iranian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges, in the event of escalation would constitute war crimes.

In response, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated on Saturday that regional missile and drone strikes will continue until the “enemy surrenders” and justice is served for civilian casualties.

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