Iran regime imposes media gag order amid intensifying US military campaign

Iranian authorities have imposed a gag order on domestic media, instructing them to limit reporting on damage to civilian infrastructure caused by ongoing U.S. airstrikes. The directive, issued by the Supreme National Security Council and obtained by Iran International, aims to control the narrative surrounding the escalating conflict.

The order mandates that newspapers, broadcasters, and online media refrain from publishing detailed information about attacks on civilian facilities, infrastructure damage, or disruptions to essential public services. The council stated that such information could inadvertently aid "the enemy in assessing the effectiveness of its attacks." Instead, media organizations are told to use phrases such as "the issue is under review and being resolved."

Furthermore, the directive specifies that only the Health Ministry and emergency services are authorized to release figures on civilian casualties. Media outlets are instructed to obtain information exclusively through high-ranking provincial officials responsible for affected facilities and to avoid language that might incite "fear and alarm" among the public.

This censorship measure follows another night of extensive U.S. strikes targeting military installations, including air defense systems and logistics facilities on Qeshm Island and near Bandar Abbas. Reports indicate potential expansion of U.S. operations, with plans to deploy additional aircraft to Israel and consider targeting Iranian power plants and critical infrastructure. Iranian state media reported seven deaths from strikes on bridges in Hormozgan province and damage to infrastructure, including power lines and a port monitoring tower.