UK influencer met senior officials on state-sponsored tours of Iran, fact-checking body finds
Summary
A UK influencer, Bushra Shaikh, took two state-sponsored trips to Iran this year where she met senior officials and shared content that supported the Iranian government's views. An Iranian fact-checking group said her social media posts aligned with Iran’s official messages during important events like conflicts and protests.Key Facts
- Bushra Shaikh is a UK television personality and former The Apprentice contestant.
- She went on two government-organized tours of Iran in February and April 2025.
- The tours were arranged by Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB World Service.
- Shaikh met senior Iranian officials, including the governor of Isfahan and a foreign ministry spokesperson.
- Her posts on social media reached hundreds of thousands and strongly reflected the Iranian government’s narrative.
- Shaikh’s coverage included visits to sensitive locations like the Strait of Hormuz.
- An Iranian fact-checking group, Factnameh, reported a deliberate pattern of social media use to spread Iranian state messages.
- Iranian activists raised concerns about her access to internet and possible violations related to sanctions.
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