PO Minister Khaleel urges media outlets to refrain from spreading news regarding Iran conflict that may incite public fear

Ibrahim Khaleel, Minister for Strategic Communications at the President's Office, has sent messages to several media outlets requesting them to stop spreading news regarding the Middle East situation that could incite public fear, following the escalations led by the United States and Israel against Iran.

When questioned by RaajjeMV regarding allegations that he sent such a message to media outlets, Minister Khaleel responded by questioning whether messaging someone should be considered an issue. He further criticized the reporting, questioning whether the matter was significant enough to be deemed major news.

Minister Khaleel’s instructions to the media come at a time when the United States and Israel are accused of intensifying efforts through international media outlets to distort the reality of the ongoing aggression in the Middle East. While many nations across the globe have condemned the illegal Israeli strikes, including the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has notably remained silent on the matter thus far.

During a press conference held at the President's Office last Saturday, President Muizzu avoided giving direct answers to journalists' inquiries regarding the ongoing attacks on Iran. Instead, his remarks appeared to imply that Iran was the provocateur in the conflict. Furthermore, many observers have noted that by the conclusion of the press briefing, the President had failed to condemn the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, drawing criticism for his reluctance to take a firm stance on the incident.

President Muizzu’s administration has consistently portrayed itself as a government that champions Islam and stands firm against the enemies of the faith. However, public criticism has mounted as observers point to a disconnect between the President’s rhetoric and his administration's actual conduct when faced with real-world challenges. While both Islamic and non-Muslim nations have extended their condolences following the assassination of the Iranian leader, the Maldivian government’s failure to condemn this inhumane act by the United States and Israel has sparked widespread concern and backlash among the public.

Some observers have characterized Minister Khaleel's message to the media as an attempt to obstruct the dissemination of accurate information regarding the Middle East to the public. In light of these government actions, significant questions are now being raised within the political landscape concerning the current trajectory of the Maldives' foreign policy.