The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India has released a sharp and thorough statement requesting Indian media outlets to refrain from disseminating “fake and fabricated news” against Iran and its officials.
The message, issued through the Embassy’s verified X (previously Twitter) account, especially chastised certain important Indian news organizations for disseminating false reports that, according to the Embassy, insult the Iranian people and its highest officials.
The Embassy emphasized the potential harm that such reporting can do, warning that publishing irresponsible and sensationalist stories not only erodes public trust but also considerably undermines media institutions’ professional standing among audiences.
At the same time, the Embassy underlined its support to the principles of free expression and the right of the public to knowledge, but urged the Indian media to prioritize information obtained from reliable and impartial sources.
A key element of the message linked to Iran’s recent military clash with Israel. The Embassy emphasized the strategic guidance of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, who is credited as Commander-in-Chief for effectively leading Iran’s armed forces through what it described as a “twelve-day imposed war” against Israel, culminating in an Iranian victory viewed as decisive self-defense.
Furthermore, the Embassy expressed significant worry about the potential harmful impact of false coverage on India’s historical and longtime relationship with Iran.
The Embassy emphasized its expectation that Indian media will retain journalistic integrity, refrain from reinforcing foreign propaganda, and endeavor to foster mutual respect and friendship between the two countries by citing the historical and civilizational connections that connect them.
This robust communication from the Iranian Embassy comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and underscores the importance Iran places on its international image and its bilateral relations with India.
The move also reflects Iran’s broader domestic and international concerns about the spread of misinformation and the reputational risks it poses, as evidenced by ongoing efforts to combat fake news, such as warnings about counterfeit social media accounts claiming to represent Iranian authorities and spreading disinformation to undermine diplomatic relations.
The Embassy’s instructions to the Indian media is both a request for high journalistic standards and a clear indication of its sensitivity to unfavorable international depiction, particularly on issues of national dignity, leadership, and military engagement.
