Reports: Iranian media banned from coverage of opposition leaders

Reports: Iran bars local coverage of opposition

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A purported media directive from Iran’s leaders prohibits Iranian newspapers and news agencies from mentioning opposition leaders, including former President Mohammad Khatami.

The document, appearing on pro-reform websites, requires Iranian media to shun any coverage of Khatami and the former presidential candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mahdi Karroubi.

Iranian authorities have not commented on the letter. It was not possible to independently verify its authenticity Thursday.

If true, however, it’s another step by Iran to control the media after closing nearly all reformist publications and putting curbs on the Internet.

But it would actually change little since pro-government media have dropped most coverage of the opposition.