Iran’s regime is employing a strategy termed “access diplomacy” to shape the narrative surrounding ongoing protests and rising casualties, experts have highlighted. By selectively granting access to Western journalists and influencers who align with its messaging, Tehran aims to reinforce its claims that foreign-backed “rioters” are responsible for the unrest. This tactic allows the regime to present an image of transparency while controlling the framing of events. The Iranian media landscape is largely dominated by state-controlled outlets, severely restricting independent journalism. Reporters Without Borders and other human rights organizations have documented instances of arbitrary arrests and intimidation faced by journalists operating within the country. Although the Iranian constitution purports to guarantee freedom of the press, the reality is that authorities wield significant power to censor any reporting deemed threatening to the Islamic Republic. Roger Macmillan, a military affairs expert, emphasized that there is no genuine freedom of the press in Iran. Instead, he described the media environment as one governed by a “state-controlled narrative.” Any journalistic entity that challenges the regime’s narrative, such as Iran International, is often branded as a terrorist organization, further stifling dissenting voices. The regime’s control over information intensified following an internet blackout imposed on January 8, 2026, which drew international condemnation. During this period, authorities were accused of obscuring evidence of violence against protesters. As connectivity was restored, Iran reverted to utilizing both traditional media and social media influencers to disseminate its narrative. Lynette Nusbacher, a war historian, commented on the regime’s adeptness at manipulating the information landscape. Unlike traditional journalists, influencers often operate without rigorous editorial oversight, allowing for the propagation of unchallenged narratives. Bushra Shaikh, a British television personality and commentator, has been cited as an example of this trend. Her posts from Iran have echoed the regime’s claims about violent protesters, framing them in a manner that resonates with her audience. Similarly, American political activist Calla Walsh, during her reporting from Iran, adopted language that aligns with the regime’s perspective, asserting that recent protests were covertly supported by foreign intelligence agencies. Both Shaikh and Walsh have been linked to events organized by the Iranian government to showcase a more favorable image of the regime to international audiences. Experts highlight that the regime’s media strategy is not only about controlling the current narrative but also about preparing the ground to counteract existing narratives regarding the protests. Jonathan Hackett, a US Marine Corps veteran and author, noted that these influencers are used to communicate pro-regime narratives to Western audiences unfamiliar with Iran’s internal politics. The ethical implications of such reporting practices are significant, as Tsuriel Rashi, an expert in professional ethics, noted. The distinction between personal experience and journalistic reporting becomes blurred when influencers, lacking accountability and methodological rigor, share firsthand accounts that lack corroboration. Professional journalists, are expected to adhere to strict ethical standards even when operating under restrictive conditions imposed by authoritarian regimes. While some journalists manage to report ethically under these constraints, they must navigate the complexities of access diplomacy carefully. For instance, when BBC’s chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, recently reported from Iran, she disclosed the limitations imposed on her reporting, indicating the delicate balance between gaining access and maintaining journalistic integrity. The situation highlights a broader struggle for truth in the context of authoritarian governance, where the line between propaganda and objective reporting often becomes obscured. As Iran continues to grapple with domestic unrest, the stakes in the media narrative will remain high, with both sides vying for control over public perception.
