Beirut: Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency announced that Iran's Intelligence Ministry has added the Azerbaijani state television channel, AzTV, to its list of 'hostile media organizations.'

According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement was made on X, a social media platform, where the Azerbaijani agency expressed its concerns over the move by Iran's Intelligence Ministry. The agency highlighted the potential threats of criminal prosecution against individuals collaborating with these media outlets. Azerbaijan emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the professional activities of journalists while maintaining the principle of reciprocity in its international dealings.

The statement from Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency clarified that Azerbaijani law allows for the imposition of 'equivalent restrictions' against any state that enacts 'special restrictions on the professional activities of journalists registered in Azerbaijan's Media Register.' The agency noted that certain Iranian media outlets and their representatives in Azerbaijan are considered to be acting unlawfully, as they engage in activities that go against Azerbaijan's national interests, including propaganda against its sovereignty, constitutional order, territorial integrity, and national security.

Despite these claims, Iran has not confirmed the inclusion of AzTV in such a list, and the concerned Iranian media outlets have not yet issued any comments on the Azerbaijani agency's statement. The relationship between Baku and Tehran has experienced both cooperation and tension in recent years, reflecting a complex diplomatic landscape.