Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance

Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance regulates media, publishing, cinema, music, and cultural affairs. The ministry controls press licenses, book censorship, and film permits. Under Hossein Saffar Harandi (2005–2009), the ministry imposed severe press restrictions, shutting down numerous publications and banning Iranian journalists from working for foreign outlets. Under Mohammad Hosseini (2009–2013), the ministry continued tightened cultural restrictions during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's second term.