Azerbaijan's Communications Development Agency announced Wednesday that Iran's Ministry of Intelligence has designated state broadcaster AzTV as a 'hostile media entity' and threatened criminal proceedings. In response, Baku declared the operations of some Iranian media outlets in Azerbaijan illegal, citing violations of sovereignty and national security.
Azerbaijan's Communications Development Agency announced Wednesday that Iran's Ministry of Intelligence has listed the state broadcaster AzTV as a 'hostile media entity' and threatened criminal proceedings against anyone cooperating with it. In response, Baku declared the operations of some Iranian media outlets and their representatives in Azerbaijan illegal, citing violations of the country's sovereignty and national security.
The designation marks an expansion of Iran's 'hostile media' list, which until now has primarily targeted Israeli journalists and pro-Israel organizations. As The Zioneer reported on July 15, Iran listed Israeli journalists Amit Segal, Yosef Haddad, and Emily Schrader, as well as the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security (JCFA). Last week, Iran also filed some 300 indictments including against opposition figures and media personnel.
The reciprocal move by Azerbaijan signals a deterioration in bilateral relations, with Baku directly challenging Tehran's attempt to police media content across borders. The development comes amid broader regional tensions, including Iran's ongoing standoff with the West over its nuclear program and its support for proxy forces in the region.
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