Iran has threatened international media organisations including the BBC, declaring that outlets it associates with hostile governments have been added to a “military target bank” as the conflict with the US continues.
Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, said media organisations including the BBC, Iran International and Radio Free Europe were linked to foreign intelligence agencies and could be treated as legitimate military targets by Tehran.
“Media outlets like BBC, Iran International, and Radio Free Europe are directly connected to Mossad, the CIA, and enemy intelligence organizations, and they receive their directives and support from them,” he said.
“The individuals working in these media outlets are considered soldiers of Zionism and criminal America, and they can even be designated as military targets; because in our view, these are not media outlets.”
Mr Shekarchi accused the organisations of contributing to violence and instability internationally.
“Every bloodshed and violence in the world is carried out with the support of these pseudo-media outlets; these pseudo-media outlets are the source of promoting, advertising, and spreading violence in the world and have disturbed the psyche of humanity.”
The remarks represent a significant escalation in rhetoric against international journalists and media organisations, which have faced increasing risks as the conflict between Tehran and Washington continues and diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remain stalled.
The threat also comes as Britain faces mounting concerns over Iranian activity directed at UK interests.
Last week, it emerged that a UK power generator was forced to shut down for four days following an Iranian cyberattack.
The incident, which occurred last month, is believed to be the first known case in which Tehran has successfully disrupted a UK facility of this type.
The episode has intensified scrutiny of the wider security risks posed by Iranian cyber operations, particularly against critical infrastructure, as tensions between Iran and Western governments remain elevated.
Iran’s designation of media organisations as potential military targets adds a further dimension to the confrontation, raising concerns over the safety of journalists and the ability of international outlets to operate in and report on the conflict.
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