A Guide to the State-Controlled Press of Iran

Welcome to your guide to the newspapers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a nation with a complex and highly controlled media landscape that is a direct reflection of its political power structure. The press in Iran, publishing almost exclusively in Persian, is not free nor independent. Instead, it is a deeply polarized arena where all publications operate under the strict supervision of the state and are generally aligned with either the dominant conservative/hardline political faction or the embattled and heavily suppressed reformist camp.

The Conservative and Hardline Press

This segment represents the most powerful and influential voices in the Iranian media, often with direct ties to state institutions and the security apparatus. These newspapers champion the principles of the Islamic Revolution and are staunchly aligned with the Supreme Leader.

• Kayhan (The Cosmos):² As one of the most prominent hardline newspapers, Kayhan is renowned for its fiercely conservative and uncompromising editorial stance.³ Its editor-in-chief is directly appointed by the Supreme Leader, making it a key mouthpiece for the state’s most powerful establishment.
• Javan (The Youth): This daily newspaper is directly affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reflecting the views of this powerful military and economic force.
• Vatan-e-Emrooz (The Motherland Today): Another significant hardline daily that is a major voice in the conservative political camp.

The Reformist Press: A Constrained Voice

The newspapers associated with the reformist movement advocate for social and political reforms within the framework of the Islamic Republic. They operate under constant pressure and the perpetual threat of suspension or closure by state authorities.

• Shargh (The East): The leading and most influential reformist daily, Shargh is known for its more nuanced coverage of political and cultural issues and for pushing the boundaries of what is permissible.
• Etemad (Trust): Another key reformist newspaper, Etemad provides a platform for reform-minded politicians and intellectuals.

Official Government Media and News Agencies

The Iranian state and its government operate their own official publications and news agencies.

• Iran: This daily newspaper is the official publication of the government of Iran, providing the administration’s perspective on current events.
• Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA): IRNA is the official state-run news agency of Iran.

Furthermore, several powerful semi-official news agencies, which are often more influential than the daily papers, are aligned with the state’s security apparatus. These include the Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency, both of which have links to the IRGC.

A Severely Restricted Media Environment

It is crucial to understand that Iran has one of the most restrictive media environments in the world. The country is consistently ranked as one of the biggest jailers of journalists globally. There is no press freedom as it is understood internationally. All media outlets practice a high degree of self-censorship to avoid crossing the state’s “red lines,” which include direct criticism of the Supreme Leader, the judiciary, and core state policies. Journalists face routine harassment, arbitrary arrest, and long prison sentences for their work.

Navigating the Iranian press requires a clear understanding of these deep political divisions and the absolute control of the state. Explore our collection at w3worldnewspapers.com to access the spectrum of officially sanctioned voices from within the Islamic Republic of Iran.