Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency (MEDIA) has announced the application of retaliatory restrictions against Iran's Sahar TV channel and Mehr news agency.
According to the agency, the decision was made based on the principle of reciprocity. This was prompted by the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence including several foreign media outlets, including Azerbaijan's AzTV channel, in its list of "hostile media organizations" and warning that individuals cooperating with these media institutions could face criminal liability.
MEDIA stated that, according to Baku's assessment, the activities of the Sahar TV channel and Mehr news agency are directed against Azerbaijan's national interests, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. For this reason, their activities are henceforth considered illegal within the country's territory.
The agency called on Azerbaijani media outlets and journalists to refrain from cooperating with the aforementioned Iranian media organizations.