Freedom of expression in the Gulf amid the US-Israeli War with Iran
By Sarina Tareen
In the wake of the Iran war in late February 2026, the Gulf countries took measures to tighten freedom of expression and media coverage. The crackdown that started due to security issues has now extended to journalists, activists, and general citizens. The war has sparked wider concerns about national security and freedom of expression in the region. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), journalists across the Gulf have faced arrests, intimidation, and legal and financial pressure since the start of the war. Many of these cases remain unreported as journalists fear further arrests and legal action. This not only deters independent reporting but also reduces the accessibility of the public to reliable information on the ground.
Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran, restrictions on freedom of expression have increased across the Gulf region. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Authorities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have arrested over 2,350 individuals. Governments have relied on cybercrime laws to justify arrests and media control. Individuals are accused of offences like “insulting the state”, “spreading rumors,” and “undermining public order.” Critics argue that its vague wording gives authorities considerable room in suppressing public opinion. These limitations are especially noticeable in Bahrain. On 19 March 2026, 32-year-old activist Mohammed Al-Mousawi was forcibly disappeared. According to Human Rights Watch, he was found dead in police custody on 27 March, amid serious allegations of torture. His arrest is reportedly connected to his pro-Iran stance. Likewise, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) reports that over 200 individuals are still imprisoned in Bahrain. Several people were detained for their personal views on the war shared on social media platforms. Similar strategies have been implemented in other Gulf States. According to the authorities, almost 380 people were arrested in the United Arab Emirates for spreading online misinformation. Reports on 3 March indicate that several journalists’ accounts were blocked on X within the country. These examples show how governments’ control over information is now moving to online spaces.
Saudi Arabia has also been restricting the flow of information. Residents were reportedly discouraged by authorities from taking and sharing photos of the conflict. Journalists were banned from covering the aftermath of airstrikes. Such restrictions on wartime reporting and imagery have been noted in Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. In Saudi Arabia, the state already has broad control over the media. In addition, Critics claim that targeted online campaigns are deployed to boost pro-government narratives and influence public opinion.
This tightening up of online spaces is part of a regional trend. While social media networks have provided new avenues for communication and public engagement. They still remain the subject of strict government oversight in countries like Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Digital platforms are closely watched, and there are means to limit and track criticism. Digital platforms are monitored. Thus, the discussion moves beyond the issue of media regulation. The implications for digital rights, public participation, and press freedom are becoming a growing concern. Governments in the region treat information as a national security issue. The issue is not whether it is secure or not, but how it can be secured without limiting freedom of expression.