BBC, Iran International Accused of “Shielding Spies” in Wake of Israel’s Military Defeat

According to Saed News, Iranian state-affiliated media have strongly criticized foreign Persian-language broadcasters, including BBC Persian, Iran International, and Deutsche Welle Persian, accusing them of orchestrating a new disinformation campaign following Israel’s recent military setback. The outlets are said to be amplifying concerns over human rights in Iran, particularly objecting to the execution of individuals convicted of espionage on behalf of Israel.

The critique comes in the wake of mass arrests reportedly carried out by Iranian intelligence services, which claim to have dismantled an extensive espionage network linked to Israel. Official sources state that over 700 operatives were detained in the span of just twelve days, following Tel Aviv’s failed military incursion.

In Tehran’s view, this surge in foreign media coverage represents an effort to delegitimize Iran’s internal judicial actions and undermine national morale. Analysts aligned with the state argue that the current media narrative selectively highlights the rights of convicted spies while ignoring the toll inflicted on Iranian civilians by Israeli attacks—casualties, injuries, and the destruction of homes among them.

The government asserts that these outlets, by opposing capital punishment for espionage, are attempting to portray Iran’s legal proceedings as unjust and inhumane. The broader context, officials argue, is a continued psychological and narrative war aimed at destabilizing Iranian society from abroad.