TEHRAN, Iran — A prominent Iranian newspaper has found itself facing possible criminal charges after it suggested that citizens should adopt the patience of the Biblical figure Job while awaiting the easing of internet restrictions by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
This incident marks a notable issue regarding media freedom during Pezeshkian’s presidency, who is known as a reformist. He has made promises aimed at curbing the enforcement actions against women who do not wear the hijab correctly and seeks to foster better relations with Western nations.

On Thursday, the semiofficial Mehr news agency revealed that Tehran’s prosecutor’s office has initiated legal action against the pro-reform publication, Ham Mihan.
The nature of the potential penalties remains uncertain; however, it is known that in previous instances of conflict with Iran’s ruling authorities, other publications have faced suspensions.

The controversy arose from a cartoon featured in the newspaper, where Job is depicted speaking to Cabinet spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani, inquiring, “Excuse me, this filtering is not resolved?” This phrase refers to the ongoing internet limitations that restrict access to foreign websites while encouraging the use of local content, often referred to colloquially as Iran’s “halal net.”
The cartoon concluded with Mohajerani responding, “No, be patient a little bit more, it will be resolved.”

As citizens await further developments in their digital freedom and freedom of expression under President Pezeshkian’s administration, this newspaper case highlights the complex intersection of media, politics, and public sentiment in contemporary Iran.