Iran's top diplomat in India has issued a strong warning against the circulation of false information and fabricated news regarding the ongoing protests in Iran. Ambassador Iraj Elahi emphasized the need for responsible reporting and urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing stories on the sensitive issue.
Envoy's Firm Stance on Misinformation
In a clear and direct statement, Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, addressed the growing concern of misleading narratives. He specifically cautioned against what he termed "fake news" being peddled by certain media platforms and social media accounts about the nature and scale of protests in Iran. The ambassador stressed that such disinformation campaigns aim to distort the reality of the situation and create a misleading picture for international audiences, including in India.
Elahi pointed out that these inaccurate reports often originate from sources with vested political interests or those aligned with groups hostile to Iran. He called upon journalists and the public to exercise critical judgment and cross-check information with credible and official sources. The envoy's remarks underscore Tehran's ongoing efforts to manage the global narrative surrounding domestic unrest.
Appeal for Fact-Based Reporting
The ambassador made a specific appeal to the media fraternity in India, a country with which Iran shares longstanding friendly ties. He urged Indian media organizations to rely on factual reporting and avoid amplifying unverified claims. Elahi highlighted that trust and accuracy are fundamental pillars of journalism, and their erosion through fake news harms public discourse and international understanding.
This call for vigilance comes amid a complex information environment where social media platforms are flooded with conflicting reports, videos, and claims about events inside Iran. The Iranian government has repeatedly blamed foreign adversaries for fueling the protests through online propaganda and psychological warfare.
Focus on Strong India-Iran Relations
Alongside the warning on fake news, Ambassador Elahi took the opportunity to reaffirm the strong and positive state of bilateral relations between Iran and India. He described the ties as historical and deeply rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. The envoy emphasized that the relationship is multifaceted, encompassing strategic cooperation, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges.
Elahi expressed confidence that the robust partnership between the two nations would continue to grow, unaffected by external narratives. He noted that both countries have a history of navigating complex global challenges and that their dialogue remains open and constructive on all issues, including regional developments.
The ambassador's dual-message strategy—combating misinformation while reinforcing diplomatic bonds—appears aimed at insulating the crucial India-Iran relationship from potential fallout caused by international media coverage of Iran's internal affairs. It also serves as a reminder to New Delhi of Tehran's perspective on the protests, framing them as a domestic issue subject to foreign misinformation campaigns.
As the situation evolves, the Iranian diplomatic mission in India is likely to continue its outreach to ensure its official viewpoint is prominently heard in the Indian public sphere, countering narratives it considers harmful or fabricated.
