A rift has emerged between Iran’s government and state television concerning the portrayal of war and negotiations with the United States. This comes as mediators from Oman attempt to encourage diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington. The Government Information Council accused the state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), of ‘censorship’ after parts of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s speech were not aired. IRIB responded by rejecting the accusations, emphasizing its duty to prevent the appearance of division within Iran’s leadership.

In his speech, Pezeshkian detailed how former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly opposed negotiations with Washington after a 12-day war with Israel but privately approved them. The government highlighted this omission as part of a series of ‘unusual actions’ by IRIB, following similar cuts from interviews and speeches by other government officials. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also criticized IRIB for not showing how Iran’s case was being strongly presented to US audiences and policymakers.

The government blamed these actions on ‘a political faction within’ state television, in an apparent reference to the Paydari Front of ultrahardliners, suggesting their actions could undermine national security and social cohesion. IRIB countered by stating that broadcasting the president’s segment would propagate an appearance of division. Both sides accused each other of undermining the decree by new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to reach ‘sacred unity’ in the face of US pressure.

Meanwhile, mediators from Oman were in Tehran to discuss the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway central to contention between the US and Iran. US President Donald Trump claimed the war was going ‘extremely well’ and did not expect any agreement soon through mediators. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded by saying missile and drone launches across the region will continue until the enemy’s ‘full surrender’.

This public sparring between Iran’s government and state television underscores the complexities and internal dynamics at play as the country navigates its relations with the United States and the broader geopolitical landscape.