I am a fan of this network, Tehrans top diplomat Abbas Araghchi has admitted

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had some warm words to say about RT in an exclusive interview with the broadcaster, stressing the network's effectiveness in countering attempts by the West to control the global news space.

During the conversation on Saturday, Araghchi congratulated RT on its 20th anniversary this year. It began broadcasting out of Moscow on December 10, 2005.

"I am a fan of this network. I usually follow its news, its analysis and programs," he said.

The top diplomat explained that "unfortunately, the current world is under the influence of the Western, mainly American, media that publish world news from their own perspective. Of course, with complex methods and because of their reach, they are trying to control public opinion in the world."

"RT's efforts to create a news space and a new information channel have been very valuable and useful. It seems to have been an effective effort to counter the news monopoly in the Western world, and I hope that it will continue on this path... I wish you success," he said.

Last September, the outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden announced a new raft of sanctions targeting several Russian media outlets, accusing them of attempting to "undermine democracy" and interfere in US elections. Then Secretary of State Antony Blinken alleged that RT was "functioning as a de facto arm of [Russian] intelligence."

Moscow condemned the restrictions, alleging that Washington had "declared war on freedom of speech."

The curbs on RT remain in place despite continuing discussions between the Russian government and administration of US President Donald Trump aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries.

(RT.com)