Iran: Seven journalists arrested amid intensifying crackdown on media

Seven journalists remain imprisoned in Iran, amid escalating pressure on independent media. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the mounting threats from the country's judicial and intelligence bodies and calls for the immediate release of all detained media workers.

Journalists stand atop a fuel tanker as they cover a nearby ongoing fire following an overnight airstrike on the Shahran oil refinery in northwestern Tehran on March 8, 2026. Credit: AFP

Following nationwide protests in January 2026 and subsequent joint military attacks carried out by the US and Israel against Iran, nearly all independent media outlets in the country have either ceased operations or are restricted to publishing only state-approved information. Journalists across Iran are struggling to reportdue to an Internet blackout reinstated by authorities four weeks ago. They also face increasing threats from the judiciary and intelligence services.

This intimidation has resulted in the imprisonment of seven Iranian journalists. Most of these arrests occurred before the start of the war and reflect a frequent pattern of pressure on media professionals in the country, underscoring increased concerns about freedom of expression and access to reliable information.

The journalists currently detained are:

• Reza Valizadeh, an Iranian-American journalist and former Radio Farda reporter, was arrestedby security forces in September 2024, six months after returning to Iran.
• Mohammad Parsi, editor-in-chief of Kando magazine, arrested on 5 February, following a summons to the Culture and Media Prosecutor's Office, and transferred to an unknown location.
• Artin Ghazanfari, a photojournalist, arrestedby security forces at his home in Mashhad on 9 January and taken to an unknown location.
• Somayeh Heydari, a reporter for Yul magazine in Tabriz, arrestedby security forces in her home on 12 February.
• Pedram Alamdari, editor-in-chief of Yul magazine in Tabriz, arrested by security forces at his home on 12 February.
• Kianoush Darvishi, a journalist and former correspondent for Ensaf News, arrestedon 17 February following a summons by the IRGC Intelligence Service and transferred to Greater Tehran Prison.
• Muslim Zarei, a journalist and cultural activist, was arrested by security forces at his home in Kermanshah on 16 March and taken to an unknown location.

The IFJ has repeatedly condemnedthe repression of media and journalists in Iran. Given the current wartime context and the already severe limitations placed on independent reporting, the federation calls on Iranian authorities to release all imprisoned journalists and ensure their safety. The continued detention of media workers risks further silencing independent voices and deepening the information blackout.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "The imprisonment of journalists during a time of heightened tension deprives the public of credible information and violates fundamental press freedom principles. We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately release all detained journalists and end the intimidation of media professionals."

The IFJ has issued a safety advisory to support journalists working in Iran. Journalists can downloadit in Farsi.