The Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA) has issued an official statement in response to the decision by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence to include Azerbaijan State Television (AzTV) and several other international media organizations on its list of “enemy media entities.”

According to Azerbaijani officials, the Iranian intelligence ministry added AzTV to its official register of hostile organizations and threatened individuals with criminal liability for any form of cooperation or interaction with the state broadcaster. Baku expressed deep concern and disappointment over Tehran’s actions, reiterating Azerbaijan’s commitment to protecting professional journalism and upholding international media ethics.

In a direct retaliatory move, Baku invoked the principle of reciprocity. Citing Article 11.4 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media"—which permits restrictions against media outlets from foreign nations that discriminate against Azerbaijani media—the Media Development Agency declared the operations of two prominent Iranian state-affiliated media bodies within Azerbaijan illegal: Sahar TV and Mehr News Agency (including its representative offices and correspondents).

The Azerbaijani agency stated that these Iranian outlets had been engaging in activities detrimental to Azerbaijan’s national interests and broadcasting propaganda aimed at undermining the sovereignty, constitutional order, territorial integrity, and national security of the state.

The MEDIA agency urged all media organizations and journalists operating in Azerbaijan to refrain from any cooperation with Sahar TV, Mehr News Agency, or their representatives. Azerbaijani authorities stressed that international media cooperation must strictly adhere to principles of mutual respect and journalistic independence.