Middle East: Mounting restrictions on press freedom raise concerns over control of war reporting

As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, countries across the region have introduced a growing number of measures to restrict the work of journalists and media outlets, citing security and public safety concerns. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) recognises the need for measures that protect security interests and civilians during war. However, it warns that broad and sweeping limitations on reporting can be used to control the narrative of the conflict, thus undermining press freedom and depriving the public of accurate and reliable information when this is direly needed.

Rocket trails in the sky above the Israeli center coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on March 11, 2026. Credit: JACK GUEZ / AFP

Since the escalation of hostilities in the region, the IFJ has documented several attempts to restrict or interfere with journalistic work.

Last week in Israel, CNN Türk correspondentEmrah Çakmak and cameraman Halil Kahraman were detainedby Israeli security personnel, while broadcasting live near the Ministry of Defense office building in Tel Aviv following an Iranian missile strike. Despite clearly identifying themselves as CNN journalists, their broadcast was abruptly interrupted. The journalists reported that their equipment was seized after the arrest and their phones were confiscated and infiltrated without consent, before being released.

Across several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, authorities have warned journalists, residents and visitors against filming or sharing footage of missile interceptions or strike locations. Their central argument was that any sensitive material could compromise security in contemporary warzone areas or spread misinformation. Bahrain's Ministry of Interior confirmedthe arrest of three individuals for broadcasting or sharing footage of strike incidents. Authorities in Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates issuedsimilar warnings that those posting such material could face legal consequences.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah announcedthat journalists would not be allowed to film in its stronghold of Al-Dahiya in Beirut, where much of the bombing has taken place. Armed individuals believed to be affiliated with the group reportedly intercepted foreign journalists reporting near the Al-Kafa'at area.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, the federal media regulator, the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), has issuedprofessional reporting guidelines advising journalists to avoid publishing sensitive military details and to rely on information from officially authorised sources during the ongoing wave of drone and missile attacks. However, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the Department of Media has issuedits own directives restricting the work of media and journalists. It has also warned that violations of these instructions could result in strict legal action against individuals or media outlets.

The federation also points to the near-complete internet blackout in Iran, which prevents journalists from doing their job. Massive restrictions on media inside Iran, especially at bombing sites and areas of conflict, are compounded by the shutdown of private media operations, as most outlets cannot function without reliable internet access.

The IFJ recalls that the right to seek, receive and impart information is protected under Article 19of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, also recognises journalists as civilians who must be protected in times of armed conflict.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "Countries may have legitimate concerns regarding security and public safety during times of war but restrictions on the work of journalists must remain strictly limited and proportionate. Blanket limitations on reporting can be used as a tool by governments to control the narrative and obstruct the flow of reliable information, at a time when the public most needs independent journalism."

The IFJ emphasises that "no story is worth a life" and urges journalists to exercise extreme caution.

The International Federation of Journalists has issued safety advisories to support journalists working in Lebanon and Iran, including a version in English, Frenchand Farsi.