IRANIAN STATE-CONTROLLED MEDIA are taking a strongly pro-Iraqi, anti-American line. Iranian viewers aren’t buying the slant.

State television marks its war coverage with a logo reading “War of Dominance,” and broadcast media without fail call the United States and Britain the “aggressors” in their campaign to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

This is despite Iran’s official policy of “active neutrality” on the war.

“Some media coverage of the war gives the impression of defending (Iraq’s) Ba’ath regime,” Rajabali Mazroui, a pro-reform parliamentarian, was quoted as saying in a newspaper. “State media are not safeguarding our national interests.”

One analyst who asked not to be named said: “Iranian television has become like Iraqi television. Its reports about the war obviously take the side of the Iraqi regime.” . . .

Many viewers are tuning into Western radio and television instead. “Why should I watch Iranian television when it is trying to brainwash me with its one-sided coverage?” said Ali, a 33-year-old engineer. . . .

The (the official media) should not make our decisions for us. I want them to just offer straight facts,” said Abbaseh, a 38-year-old housewife,

The use of satellite dishes is officially prohibited in Iran but many Iranians ignore the ban.

“I bought a satellite receiver two days after the war started,” said Fariba, a teacher. “Before that I felt out of touch with the world.”

Heh. Of course, by taking a pro-Saddam line the increasingly-unpopular Iranian clerics are only boosting America’s reputation in Iran.