‘US waiving six-month sanctions on IRIB’

The United States is temporarily waiving its sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

A senior US administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press late on Thursday that the six-month waiver allows non-American companies to give satellite services to the IRIB.

The report says these countries could provide the IRIB with their services without being exposed to US penalties.

It also says that Washington will re-evaluate the situation in 60 days, and then the sanctions would return if need be.

There has been no official comment from the IRIB yet.

The US accuses the Iranian broadcaster of blocking foreign channels; however, Tehran has frequently rejected the claim.

Media activists call the attacks on Iranian channels a campaign against free speech launched by the same European governments that preach freedom of expression.