US Condemns Iran Threat to List Radio Farda as Military Target
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The United States condemned Iran's threat to designate Persian-language media outlets, including RFE/RL's Radio Farda, as military targets. A State Department spokesperson cited Tehran's record of harassing and attempting to kidnap and kill journalists abroad. The Czech Republic summoned Iran's ambassador over the threats to the Prague-based broadcaster.
Key Facts
- Iranian armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi named Radio Farda, Iran International, BBC Persian, and Manoto as potential military targets.
- A U.S. State Department spokesperson said on August 28 that the Iranian regime has repeatedly harassed and attempted to kidnap and kill journalists and dissidents worldwide.
- Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka summoned the Iranian ambassador over the threats against Radio Farda, which is based in Prague.
- David Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute, said the threats show the outlets have a real impact inside Iran.
Iranian Threat
In a televised interview, Iranian armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi named Radio Farda, Iran International, BBC Persian, and Manoto as potential military targets. Shekarchi called the outlets' employees 'soldiers of Zionism and criminal America' and claimed without evidence that they were connected to the CIA, Mossad, and other foreign intelligence services. He said their employees could be included in Iran's 'bank of military targets.'
US Response
A State Department spokesperson said on August 28 that the United States was aware of the threats and condemned what it called Tehran's 'longstanding, despicable behavior.' The spokesperson said the Iranian regime has repeatedly harassed and attempted to kidnap and kill journalists and Iranian dissidents worldwide. The United States said it continues working with allies and partners to expose these threats, share threat information, and hold perpetrators accountable.
International Reaction
The Czech Republic, which hosts RFE/RL and Radio Farda in Prague, protested the threats. Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka summoned the Iranian ambassador to appear at the ministry over the matter, Czech media reported. David Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute, said the threats reflect the importance of the media outlets and that they must be protected.
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US Condemns Iran Threat to List Radio Farda as Military Target
