Iranian Business Leader Slams IRIB Deputy’s “Cowshed” Remark as Insult to Nation

According to Saed News, tensions have flared in Tehran’s political and media circles after Vahid Jalili, deputy at the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), referred to the homeland as an “آغل” (literally “cowshed”) during a live broadcast—a choice of words that swiftly provoked public outrage. Millions of Iranians took to social media to condemn what they perceived as a denigration of national dignity.

In a sharply worded response, Hossein Selahvarzi, former president of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, penned a message on Twitter: “You have indulged these babblers and their nonsense for so long that now they invite themselves onto their own television—and pin on these noble people whatever is fitting for themselves and their tribe.” His post, accompanied by a screenshot of Jalili’s tweet, has amassed thousands of views and sparked debate over freedom of expression in state-controlled media.

Analysts suggest the clash highlights deeper rifts between hardline broadcasters and technocratic conservatives. “This isn’t merely a semantic slip,” observes Dr. Fatemeh Karimi, a media scholar in Geneva. “It reflects a broader struggle over who defines national identity and whose voices are elevated in Iran’s public sphere.”

The IRIB has not yet issued an official apology or clarification, leaving many Iranians awaiting a formal response. Meanwhile, the episode underscores mounting public frustration with perceived elitism and the politicisation of state television. As criticism mounts, all eyes are on Tehran’s media hierarchy—and whether it will heed calls for accountability.