Iran appoints new head for state broadcasting

Mohammad Sarfaraz, replaced after two years on order of Tehran’s supreme leader, had opposed nuclear deal

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s state TV is reporting the country’s top leader has appointed a new head for the state broadcasting company.

The Wednesday report says Mohammad Sarfaraz has been replaced after less than two years on the job by Abdolali Ali Asgari. The change comes at the order of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters.

The report did not elaborate. However Sarafraz, who took office in November 2014, recently complained about a lack of funding.

Under Sarafraz, the state broadcasting company’s stance was close to hard-liners who oppose moderate President Hassan Rouhani and last summer’s nuclear deal that Iran reached with world powers.