Zamaneh’s editor-in-chief condemns the Intelligence Ministry blacklist as repressive, defending diaspora journalism and an anti-war “third voice” against dictatorship and foreign aggression.
The Islamic Republic’s Intelligence Ministry has published a list under the Note to Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage, defining cooperation with Persian-language media outside Iran as a criminal offense. The central question is whether this measure is an instrument of repression aimed at severing communication between those inside and outside the country, or a response to security threats under wartime conditions. In this interview, Radio Zamaneh’s editor-in-chief, Nasim Roshanai, calls the list “distorted” and “absurd.” She argues that placing peace-oriented, anti-war media alongside Zionist and pro-war networks reveals both the list’s imprecision and the state’s repressive approach. Criticizing policies that have driven millions of Iranians toward activism and even support for regime overthrow over the past 47 years, she stresses the need to recognize the diaspora’s place in Iran and journalists’ right to communicate with people inside the country. She calls for an anti-war movement opposed both to domestic dictatorship and foreign aggression.
On July 13, 2026, the Islamic Republic’s Intelligence Ministry announced a list of entities covered by the Note to Article 4 of the Law on Intensifying Punishments for Espionage. The list includes “individuals designated as hostile media actors,” Persian-language media abroad, and opposition pages on social platforms. The document states that media or promotional cooperation with these entities, or sending them content, may lead to criminal prosecution and—especially under wartime conditions—the maximum penalties. Is the circular primarily an instrument of intimidation and repression, or part of the state’s wartime strategy? Under these conditions, two-way communication between media organizations and people inside Iran, the publication of citizens’ accounts, and support for an anti-war movement are essential. What methods can preserve this connection despite threats, filtering, and intense surveillance? Finally, what future do independent media organizations abroad have in supporting civil and anti-war movements inside Iran? We discussed these questions with Nasim Roshanai, editor-in-chief of Radio Zamaneh.
Repression, Exile, and the Rights of the Iranian Diaspora
Roshanai began by saying that the first question should be why, over the past 47 years, the Islamic Republic has driven several million Iranians inside and outside the country to become activists, opponents, or critics—and, in the most extreme cases, advocates of regime overthrow. Why, she asked, has the ruling establishment’s support base become so narrow that even many former reformists now stand abroad alongside warmongers or proponents of regime change?
She said Iran’s rulers must look in the mirror and ask why so many media organizations and critical or opposition groups have emerged both outside and inside the country, and why some have become willing to accept a military attack on Iran in order to change its political system.
Roshanai continued:
“Now consider the Iranians who left the country involuntarily. Some fled; others emigrated. But a significant number remain committed to a democratic, free, and equal Iran. Is exile—and the longing for one’s country that comes with it—supposed to be a privilege? Those of us living abroad were forced into this choice by political and civic repression. Would we not have preferred to write and organize in our own country to improve its political, civic, economic, and environmental conditions?”
She added that the Islamic Republic must understand that diaspora Iranians are an inseparable part of Iran and recognize their place and their stake in the country’s future. Iranians abroad, like those inside, have the right to care about and act upon their country’s future. Zamaneh’s editor-in-chief continued:
“When critical journalists inside Iran are constantly confronted with censorship red lines, interrogation, arrest, and the closure of newspapers and media outlets, many seek refuge abroad so they can write without censorship and repression. Journalists have the right to report on their own country wherever they live. They have the right to communicate with colleagues inside Iran without fearing that such contact will endanger them.”
The Intelligence Ministry’s Distorted List
Referring to the Intelligence Ministry’s list, Roshanai noted that entries one through six are Zionist radio and media networks, yet not a single progressive Israeli outlet, such as Haaretz, appears on it. She found this surprising and asked whether Israeli liberals—even if some are members of Mossad—necessarily want war with Iran and the country’s destruction.
She said that after the Israeli outlets, Iran International appears in seventh place and Radio Zamaneh in eighth, while Radio Zamaneh appears again in thirteenth place. She emphasized:
“Placing Iranian media alongside Zionist outlets that have entirely different perspectives, horizons, and political agendas demonstrates the list’s imprecision and absurdity.”
Roshanai continued:
“The list includes media organizations that support advocates of regime overthrow, regime-change groups, or warmongers and that welcomed U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran. At the same time, their names appear alongside media organizations, groups, and activists who oppose war and work for peace and for the country’s interests. The inclusion of some people and groups—and the omission of others—raises serious questions. Why, for example, should feminist activity outside Iran have anything to do with this list? Given their record and the information they have published in recent months, one would have expected some online video channels to appear on the list. Instead, names such as Sedigheh Vasmaghi appear. It is very strange.”
Roshanai then posed another question:
“Why should the state’s logic be so distorted that it pushes away peace-oriented media organizations such as Radio Zamaneh and concerned Iranians abroad who want a free, independent, democratic, and equal Iran, preventing them from serving as a bridge between those inside and outside the country? Why should the state continue its authoritarian rule?”
In her view, different sectors of Iranian society have demanded political and economic openness in various forms for more than half a century. This repressive approach has instead strengthened pro-war media and figures, while pushing people inside the country to turn toward them.
Roshanai stressed that the state must learn to be inclusive and build connections rather than continually dividing society into insiders and outsiders. This approach, she said, benefits neither the political system nor Iran, its national security, or its people.
A Third Voice: Against War and Dictatorship, for a Democratic Iran
Roshanai emphasized that, from the beginning of the 12-day war, Radio Zamaneh made clear its strong opposition to war against Iran. She said the outlet represents one expression of a “third voice”—one that opposes both imperialist wars and domestic dictatorship:
“We envision—and genuinely want—a free, democratic, and just Iran: one in which a supporter of the Paydari Front, a staunch communist, a liberal, a social democrat, a monarchist, and members of other currents can hold seats in parliament, speak, and participate in determining the country’s direction.”
She added that Radio Zamaneh has always opposed war:
“We have always opposed war, and every report or analysis we have published in recent years demonstrates our position. Since October 7, we have consistently opposed Israel’s military aggression and the massacre in Gaza, publishing hundreds of news reports and analyses. We oppose every form of military aggression.”
Roshanai also noted that Radio Zamaneh maintains contact with civil-society groups and individuals inside Iran—people who genuinely love their country, care about it, and are prepared to pay a price to improve conditions in the country.
She asked:
“Would it not be better for critical Iranian citizens inside the country to read and engage with Radio Zamaneh, communicate with us, and access our news and analysis without censorship rather than turn to media organizations that have openly supported—and continue to support—a military attack on Iran? The future depends on realities on the ground: on the choices independent media make, their solidarity and collective capacity, the creative paths they pursue, and how they build them.”
Hope for an Anti-War Alliance and Greater Diaspora Awareness
Roshanai said that it is also necessary to see how long the war continues, what approach to governance the state adopts, and what ultimately happens:
“I hope journalists, activists, independent media organizations, and independent human-rights groups abroad come together, make the anti-war voice heard in every possible way, and work through journalism and activism for Iran’s peace, freedom, and independence. I also hope that media organizations, activists, and journalists who have tied themselves to the political interests of the aggressor states come to understand that the interests of Iran’s people do not lie in war and the destruction of our country.”
She then underscored an important point:
“The U.S. and Israeli bombs that destroy factories, roads, bridges, and infrastructure, demolish homes, and have killed thousands do not strike our safe homes abroad. Our children are not killed, and we do not bear the cost of this war in our own flesh.”
She emphasized:
“The consequences of war, economic sanctions, and a naval blockade do not devastate the lives of those of us living in safe countries. We do not lose our jobs. The people living inside Iran are paying the price of U.S. and Israeli warmongering and expansionism.”
Roshanai concluded by expressing hope that the radical and pro-war segments of the diaspora would develop greater awareness, stop selling false hopes and indulging in wishful thinking and political naivety, and help build a broad movement to stop the war in Iran and the wider region.
