Every day Artesh reads Iranian outlets and international wires side by side. When they tell contradictory stories about the same event, it is recorded here: what each side claims, and where exactly they disagree.
Each position is reported as that outlet's position, not as established fact. Days when only one side covered a story are not listed.
294 contradictions recorded in the last 12 months.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Oil & Gas
Iran's Mehr News Agency claims September oil sales reached a two-year high; PrimeXBT reports an 80% collapse in August crude loadings due to the US blockade.
Iranian outlets
Mehr News Agency reported on September 19, 2026, that Iran's oil sales in September hit a two-year high, exceeding $3 billion, despite the US naval blockade.
US / international
PrimeXBT reported on September 19, 2026, that Iranian crude and condensate loadings averaged just 220,000 to 260,000 barrels per day in August 2026, an over 80% collapse due to the US naval blockade.
ISNA names President Mardakian as proposing Strait of Hormuz reopening; Google Iran names President Pezeshkian.
Iranian outlets
ISNA reports that President Mardakian proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks, with Medicalian stating readiness to implement the agreement if Iran's proposal is accepted.
US / international
Google Iran reports President Pezeshkian proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and welcomed nuclear inspectors.
Iranian domestic media highlights positive health initiatives and cultural diplomacy, while other reports detail deepening medication and education crises and the sentencing of women.
Iranian outlets
ISNA (Iranian domestic) reports on the decrease in self-harm among medical residents, reduction in medical assistant working hours, and the air pollution report as efforts to improve public health and welfare. Tehran Times (Iranian domestic) reports on the Culture Minister's trip to Russia as advancing joint cultural programs.
US / international
Sources like Vertex AI Search (which aggregates various news sources) report on Iran's deepening medication crisis, widening educational inequality, and the sentencing of nine women in Ahvaz, often highlighting the severe impact on citizens and human rights concerns.
Iranian media reports legal action against Tehran Marathon organizers for not observing standards; international outlets highlight women openly defying hijab rules.
Iranian outlets
Iranian domestic outlets like ISNA and Tehran Times report on the successes of Iranian athletes at the Asian Games, highlighting medal wins in rowing, gymnastics, and karate. Regarding the Tehran Marathon, semi-official Fars news agency reported that Tehran's prosecutor's office initiated legal proceedings against the event's organizers for 'not observing legal and religious standards'. Tehran Times also reported on Team Melli's defeat to Uzbekistan, noting the Football Federation's decision to continue with coach Ghalenoei despite disappointing results.
US / international
International media outlets such as Iran International, Firstpost, and Times Now extensively covered the Tehran Marathon incident, emphasizing that Iranian women, including Parisa Arab, 'openly defied compulsory hijab rules' by running without headscarves. Eurasia Review and other international analyses detailed Iran's 'cognitive warfare' tactics, including cyber operations targeting Israeli athletes. VAVEL USA and Kun.uz reported on Team Melli's 3-1 loss to Uzbekistan.
Iran's judiciary states IT expert Hossein Pedaran was executed for espionage; Iran International reports sources dispute this, citing his commercial IT work.
Iranian outlets
Mizan News Agency (Iranian judiciary) reported on September 19, 2026, that Hossein Pedaran was executed for 'espionage and intelligence cooperation with the Zionist regime.'
US / international
Iran International (diaspora) reported on September 23, 2026, that sources familiar with Pedaran's case rejected the judiciary's account, stating his professional work was commercial information technology and digital services.
Iranian President Pezeshkian offers uranium dilution and verification while blaming the US for conflict; Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu defends military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Iranian outlets
Iranian President Pezeshkian, in an interview with Fox News, denied any ambition for nuclear weapons, citing religious decree, and expressed willingness to dilute enriched uranium and allow international verification, while simultaneously blaming the US for initiating the conflict. Press TV, an Iranian state media outlet, reported Russia's assertion that US threats make the return of IAEA inspectors to Iran unfeasible.
US / international
International coverage, including reports on Netanyahu's UN address, highlights Israel's defense of military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, claims of damage inflicted, and warnings of future action, alongside ongoing international scrutiny of Iran's enrichment activities and the IAEA's difficulties in verification.
Iranian authorities initiated legal action against Tehran marathon organizers for hijab defiance, while international reports frame the women's participation without headscarves as a direct challenge to compulsory laws.
Iranian outlets
Iranian domestic outlets like ISNA (as per provided context) focus on the performance and participation of Iranian athletes in the Asian Games, emphasizing national pride and athletic talent. Tehran Times (IRGC-affiliated) also reports on Asian Games results and Team Melli's friendly match.
US / international
International sources such as NDTV Sports and Xinhua report on Iran's participation and results in the Asian Games. Eurasia Review provides an analytical perspective on Iran's 'cognitive warfare' in sports. Al Jazeera, The Times of India, and All Israel News have covered the hijab defiance at the Tehran marathon, highlighting it as an act of defiance against compulsory rules.
The Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe used a film clip to assert Iran's strength against US threats, while Western media described it as Iran 'mocking' President Trump.
Iranian outlets
The Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe framed its use of a film clip as a direct assertion of Iran's strength against US threats, stating that Iran is 'not defenceless.' Iranian domestic outlets like Tehran Times and ISNA frame the 'school reopening ceremony' and 'Sacred Defense' street plays as positive cultural developments, emphasizing national identity, heritage preservation, and commemoration of the Iran-Iraq War.
US / international
Western media, such as Gulf News and TVS News Desk, reported the Iranian Embassy's use of the film clip as Iran 'mocking' US President Donald Trump. Israel National News framed Masih Alinejad's criticism of Mayor Mamdani as highlighting a disparity in his treatment of Iran and Israel.
Iranian authorities attribute protest deaths to 'terrorist acts' by the US and Israel; rights groups report higher tolls and accuse security forces of firing at demonstrators.
Iranian outlets
Iranian authorities reported over 3,000 deaths from recent unrest, attributing the violence to 'terrorist acts' orchestrated by the United States and Israel.
US / international
Rights groups based abroad put the death toll higher and accused security forces of firing at demonstrators.
Iran claims the IAEA has full access to its nuclear facilities; Western reports indicate the IAEA has lost 'continuity of knowledge' and access to key sites.
Iranian outlets
Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), stated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has had access to all Iranian nuclear facilities and has not produced any reports of non-compliance, attributing US statements to an effort to halt Iran's progress.
US / international
The Times of Israel and The Wall Street Journal, citing Israeli and US officials, reported in July 2026 that Iran moved thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges into the fortified Pickaxe Mountain facility in late 2025, and that the IAEA has been prevented from inspecting the site and has lost 'continuity of knowledge' of Iran's nuclear program.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed indirect talks and explicit conditions, while US President Trump stated a settlement is expected.
Iranian outlets
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, speaking to state news agency IRNA, confirmed indirect talks via Qatari mediators and stated Iran conveyed its views and conditions explicitly. Iranian President Pezeshkian, in his UNGA speech, stated Iran has been a 'victim of terrorism' and will not 'bend the knee' to US pressure. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei downplayed the talks, saying they were 'not anything new.' Tasnim news agency reported that Baghdad and Muscat airports 'will no longer accept' Iranian flights due to sanctions.
US / international
CBS News reported that US President Trump said the US and Iran held talks Tuesday, and he believes a settlement will be reached. US envoy Steve Witkoff said negotiators 'successfully completed' indirect talks. Reuters reported a senior Iranian official stating Iran and the US remain 'far apart' but diplomacy must continue. AFP reported Iranian airlines were forced to cancel some international flights after the US tightened sanctions, and a travel agent in Tehran confirmed halted flights to Baghdad, Muscat, and Qatar.
Iran's Statistical Center reports July inflation at 87.9%; US President Trump claims inflation exceeds 300 percent.
Iranian outlets
Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accepted a meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to convey Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including lifting the naval blockade, unfreezing assets, and ending hostilities. Tasnim News Agency reported that flights to Baghdad and Muscat were cancelled, with negotiations to reroute Baghdad flights to Najaf. The Statistical Center of Iran reported July inflation at 87.9%.
US / international
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that all Iranian airlines would be shut down globally from September 23 due to secondary sanctions, threatening foreign entities with exclusion from the dollar system if they provide services. US President Trump stated that US and Iranian representatives had "very good" and "productive" talks at the UN. Reuters reported Iraq's suspension of Iranian flights to Baghdad. US President Trump, cited by Eurasia Review, claimed Iran's inflation exceeds 300 percent.
Iran says its oil sales hit a two-year high in September; Western trackers report an over 80% collapse in August exports due to the US naval blockade.
Iranian outlets
Mehr News Agency and Iran's Plan and Budget Organisation reported Iran's oil sales exceeded $3 billion in September, a two-year high, despite the US naval blockade.
US / international
PrimeXBT, Kpler, and Vortexa reported Iranian crude and condensate loadings averaged 220,000-260,000 bpd in August, an over 80% collapse due to the US naval blockade, with exports at six-year lows.
Iran's state media reports conflicting accounts on whether Tehran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under US conditions.
Iranian outlets
Press TV, IRNA, Fars News Agency, and Mehr News Agency emphasize Iran's defensive strength, advanced military capabilities (missiles, drones, air defense), and readiness for retaliation against US threats. They portray US threats as propaganda and highlight Iran's ability to control advanced US technology.
US / international
International wires like Reuters, AP, CNN, and Fox News report on US sanctions taking effect, President Trump's dual rhetoric of threats and potential diplomacy, and the ongoing maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz. They also report on Iran's claims regarding missile tests and drone downings, often attributing them to Iranian state media.
Fars News Agency denies reports of Iran proposing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters and Kyodo News reported Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian outlets
IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency argued President Pezeshkian should not have traveled to New York, citing attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities and the blockade. The hardline Kayhan newspaper warned Pezeshkian that 'New York is not a place for smiles and negotiations,' highlighting Trump's threat of 'annihilation'. Tasnim, also linked to the Guards, called US justice-seeking 'performative'. An Iranian security source stated Iran would only consider talks if Washington fulfills commitments and provides guarantees. Fars News Agency explicitly denied Reuters and Kyodo News reports about Iran proposing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
US / international
Bernama-Anadolu reported US President Trump saying talks with Iran had gained 'momentum' and could lead to a deal, but also warned of potential military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. The Media Line reported Trump calling Iran talks 'very good' after his UN speech. Reuters and Kyodo News, as reported by Seoul Economic Daily, stated Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days in return for easing US military pressure.
Press TV reports Iran's Foreign Minister met US envoys at American insistence; Al Arabiya, citing a US official, reports limited prospects for a deal.
Iranian outlets
Iranian state media, including Press TV, reported President Pezeshkian's arrival in New York to defend Iran's positions and highlight US 'oppression'. Press TV also framed Foreign Minister Araghchi's meeting with US envoys as occurring 'at American side's insistence'. Iranian military officials issued strong warnings of destruction for foreign forces and 'unpredictable blows' against aggressors. A senior Iranian official conveyed conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including lifting the US naval blockade and releasing frozen assets.
US / international
International outlets such as The Jakarta Post, Gulf News, and The Japan Times reported US President Trump's mixed messages of threats to 'annihilate' Iran alongside optimism for a deal, noting 'momentum' in talks. These outlets confirmed direct talks between Araghchi and US envoys. Iran International highlighted Pezeshkian's domestic dilemma regarding a potential meeting with Trump. Al Arabiya, citing a US official, reported limited prospects for an agreement and that the US rejected Iran's request to lift the blockade.
Iranian media reports legal action against Tehran marathon organizers for not observing religious standards; international media highlights the women's defiance of hijab rules as a public act of resistance.
Iranian outlets
Iranian domestic outlets like ISNA and Mehr News Agency emphasize Iran's athletic achievements, such as the first gold medal at the Nagoya games [cite: ISNA, 11, 26] and Manaf Hashemi's re-election [cite: ISNA, 10]. They also report on internal issues like the Persepolis Mashhad expansion [cite: ISNA] and the criticism of Azadi Stadium [cite: ISNA]. Regarding the Tehran marathon, semi-official Fars news agency reported that the Tehran prosecutor's office filed charges against the organizers for not observing "legal and religious standards".
US / international
International outlets like Iran International and YouTube channels focus on the defiance of compulsory hijab laws by women participating in the Tehran marathon, framing it as a "cultural statement" and a "public display of resistance". They highlight the legal action taken against organizers as a consequence of this defiance. Olympics.com and The Hindu provide broader coverage of the Asian Games, including India's performance, which gives context to Iran's medal wins.
Trump threatens to annihilate Iran; Iran's Armed Forces dismiss comments as propaganda and warn of retaliation.
Iranian outlets
Iran's Armed Forces dismissed US President Trump's comments at the UN as 'propaganda' and stated their 'full readiness to inflict more severe, crushing, and unpredictable blows on the aggressors'.
US / international
US President Donald Trump warned he could 'annihilate' Iran if no deal is reached to end the war, but also indicated that US and Iranian officials met through mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Donya-e-Eqtesad says Macron and Trump agreed to stop attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure; international reports state they agreed to seek a moratorium on such strikes.
Iranian outlets
Donya-e-Eqtesad reports that French President Macron and former President Trump reached an agreement to reduce energy market tensions and stop attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. It also states the U.S. pledged $5 billion to assist West Asian countries affected by Iranian attacks on their energy infrastructure.
US / international
International outlets (e.g., Fox News, The Economic Times, Investing.com, WSJ) confirm Macron and Trump agreed to work together to ease energy market tensions and protect critical infrastructure in the Middle East and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They also widely report Trump's proposal of a $5 billion fund for rebuilding war-damaged energy infrastructure in the Middle East to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
The UN fact-finding mission states Iran committed crimes against humanity in January 2026, while Iran's UN ambassador rejects the findings and accuses the US of crimes against humanity.
Iranian outlets
Donya-e-Eqtesad reports 'UK Military Support for Saudi Arabia Against Yemen Has Begun'. [Provided Input] Iran's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, rejected the UN mission's findings of crimes against humanity by Iran, stating Tehran believes economic pressure and foreign interference amount to crimes against humanity.
US / international
Al Jazeera reports 'UK to Provide Air-to-Air Refuelling for Saudi Jets Amid Houthi Threat'. [Provided Input] The UN fact-finding mission (reported by ABS-CBN, Iran International, UN News) found 'reasonable grounds' to believe Iranian authorities committed 'crimes against humanity' during protests and the US committed 'war crimes' in two strikes.
US President Trump threatens potential "annihilation" of the Iranian regime, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns of altered military strategy and new weapons in a prolonged conflict.
Iranian outlets
Iran's Revolutionary Guard spokesman Hossein Mohebbi warns of a prolonged conflict and the potential for altered military strategy and new weapons, while Iranian lawmakers advocate for NPT withdrawal due to "repeated attacks and international pressure." Iran Daily emphasizes Iran's conditions for negotiations, seeking to separate the Strait of Hormuz from nuclear talks.
US / international
US President Donald Trump asserts Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons and indicates he is considering significant decisions, including potential "annihilation" of the Iranian regime. International reports highlight the rapid reconstruction of the Parchin facility and the deterioration of IAEA oversight.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemns the US denial of visas to President Pezeshkian's media team as trampling on access to information, while the US State Department authorized the delegation with restrictions.
Iranian outlets
Iranian state media (IRNA, Mehr, Tasnim, Press TV) emphasize Iran's diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly, President Pezeshkian's scheduled attendance, and the US denial of visas to his media team as a hostile act. They also highlight IRGC warnings of retaliation with new weapons and targets if the US attacks, and Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Press TV also reported on the Judiciary's statement regarding Iranian fishermen killed and vessels damaged in US attacks.
US / international
International outlets (China Daily, ABS-CBN News, Reuters, India Today) report on Iran's intensified diplomacy at the UN, President Pezeshkian's planned attendance, and the US denial of visas to his media team, often citing Iranian state media. They also cover Iran's warnings of retaliation and the G7's call for Iran to halt support for Houthis. The UN mission's report on potential war crimes by both sides is also reported by international media.
Iranian state media reported the US denied visas to its UN delegation, while international media highlighted a UN report finding Iran committed crimes against humanity and the US committed war crimes.
Iranian outlets
Iranian state media (IRNA, Mehr news agency) reported on the US denying visas to members of President Pezeshkian's UN delegation, framing it as an 'unprecedented hostile move' and an attempt to 'hide the truth'.
US / international
International outlets (ABS-CBN, Iran International, The Guardian, The Times of Israel) reported extensively on the UN fact-finding mission's findings that Iran committed crimes against humanity in suppressing protests and the US committed war crimes in school strikes.
International reports on Sardar Azmoun's recall explicitly link his previous omission to a political social media post, while Iranian domestic reports on sporting achievements generally avoid such political context.
Iranian outlets
Iranian domestic outlets such as Pars Today, Mehr News Agency, and Tehran Times report on Iran's men's basketball team winning bronze at the Asian Games, highlighting it as the delegation's first medal and praising the team's difficult campaign and resilience. Tehran Times also reports on the women's 3x3 basketball team's wins at the Asian Games. The Ministry of Sports and Youth website reports on Iran's victory at the 2026 Youth World Weightlifting Championships. These reports generally focus on national achievements and sporting prowess.
US / international
International news outlets like Rediff, India Today, and Bastille Post report on Sardar Azmoun's recall to the national football team, explicitly stating that his previous four-month omission was due to a social media post that angered Iranian authorities during the ongoing war with the U.S. and Israel. GMA Network, an international source, also noted the emotional aspect of Iran's basketball bronze, mentioning 'months of war back home'.
Iran says the French language center engaged in illegal activities; France calls its closure an unjustifiable attack on cultural presence.
Iranian outlets
Iranian domestic outlets, such as the semi-official Tasnim news agency and the judiciary's Mizan news website, frame the closure of the French language center as a necessary action due to the center's 'illegal activities,' operating without a license, violating diplomatic conventions, and engaging in activities against Iranian culture and national security, including identifying and networking with elites and facilitating their departure from the country.
US / international
International wires like Reuters and AFP, citing the French Foreign Ministry, describe the closure as an 'unjustifiable and unacceptable' attack on France's cultural presence in Iran, following an earlier assault on French embassy staff. France has stated it will summon Iran's ambassador and take appropriate measures in response.