Baku: Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency has issued a statement responding to the decision by the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran to designate certain foreign media outlets, including Azerbaijan's state television channel AzTV, as "hostile media organizations" and to threaten criminal prosecution against individuals cooperating with these organizations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the statement expressed concern over Iran's inclusion of AzTV on its list of hostile entities and the accompanying threats of legal action against those collaborating with these media outlets. The Republic of Azerbaijan remains committed to safeguarding the professional activities of journalists while adhering to the principle of reciprocity.

Under Article 11.4 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media," if another state imposes special restrictions on the professional activities of journalists registered in Azerbaijan's Media Register, equivalent restrictions may be imposed in Azerbaijan on journalists from that state. Consequently, the activities of Sahar TV and Mehr News Agency, along with their representatives in Azerbaijan, are deemed unlawful due to their engagement in activities against the national interests of Azerbaijan and their propagation against the country's sovereignty, constitutional order, territorial integrity, and national security.

The statement urged all media organizations and journalists operating in Azerbaijan to avoid collaboration with the aforementioned media outlets and their affiliates. It emphasized that international media cooperation should be grounded in mutual respect and the professional independence of journalists.