Iran's dos and don'ts for talking about the nuclear deal
Iran's Culture Ministry believes the nuclear negotiations are a national security issue and specific guidelines must be followed in their coverage to prevent divisions in society.
Mohammad Dehghan, a member of the Iranian parliament’s board of directors, said July 28 that 18 members of parliament have signed a warning letter to Culture Minister Ali Jannati about documents from his office that specify appropriate guidelines for the media in their coverage of the nuclear deal.
On July 22, two documents stamped “Very Confidential” appeared on Iranian websites and social media claiming to show a document from Iran’s Culture Ministry addressed to domestic media and editors outlining guidelines for appropriate coverage of the comprehensive deal between Iran and five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.
Some of the recommendations include:
- Support achievements of the nuclear talks.
- Avoid damaging national hope and enthusiasm.
- Avoid spreading doubt or creating uncertainty or disappointment.
- Emphasize American extremists and Israeli opposition to the deal.
- Avoid printing news or analysis that would polarize society.
- Do not promote confrontation between officials with differing views.
- Include the response by an Iranian official when quoting a Western official.
The letter was sent by the Culture Ministry’s Media Affairs and Information department.
