BBC Reports Iran Escalating Persecution of Persian Journalists, Families in UK, Iran

The BBC has reported a significant escalation in intimidation and persecution by Iranian authorities against BBC News Persian journalists based in the UK and their families in Iran. BBC Director-General Tim Davie highlighted that relatives of these journalists face arbitrary interrogations, travel bans, passport confiscations, and threats of asset seizures, which are intended to pressure journalists to cease their work or return to Iran. This campaign includes direct threats and violence against staff abroad, with the situation worsening amid increased US and Israeli military pressure on Iran. The BBC condemned these actions as a direct assault on press freedom and human rights, urging the Iranian government to end the intimidation and persecution immediately. Tehran has denied the allegations, accusing the BBC of spreading false information to destabilize the regime. The BBC plans to file complaints with the UN Human Rights Council and continues to work with UK authorities to protect its journalists.