European satellite provider cuts off Iranian TV

(AP) European satellite provider cuts off Iranian TV
PARIS
European satellite provider Eutelsat has taken 19 Iranian television and radio broadcasters off the air as a result of European Union sanctions.

Eutelsat spokeswoman Vanessa O’Connor says the channels operated by Iranian state broadcaster Irib have been blocked for viewers in Europe and elsewhere as of Monday morning.

Eutelsat says a new round of EU sanctions against Iran adopted earlier this year included Irib. The EU toughened its sanctions against Iran as part of broader efforts to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran’s Press TV says Iran’s broadcasting company could seek legal action against Eutelsat.

Press TV says it’s among the channels cut by the Eutelsat decision. Others include Farsi-language channels for Iranian expatriates and Arabic-language offerings, including the news channel Al-Alam. Most are still visible in Iran.