Sat Jun 21 11:22:50 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summary based on the provided text:
**News Article:**
**Experts Warn of Echoes of Iraq War as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid Media Censors**
**Washington D.C.** – Amidst ongoing nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, escalating tensions have erupted into an open conflict between Israel and Iran, a development some experts say was fueled by propaganda and uncritical reporting in Western media. Analysts like Narges Bajoghli, author of “Iran Reframed,” point to the role of the Netanyahu government in shaping the narrative, while others criticize media outlets for readily accepting justifications for the conflict.
Reports indicate tightening restrictions on both local and foreign media within Israel, with Ryan Kohls reporting on increasing military censorship related to the conflict.
Adding to the concern, veteran journalist Chris Hedges, former Middle East Bureau Chief for The New York Times, draws unsettling parallels to the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War. Hedges warns that the current justifications for military action and the media’s uncritical acceptance of these justifications mirror the situation preceding the Iraq invasion.
Matt Duss, Executive Vice President at the Center for International Policy, Assal Rad, Non-Resident Fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, and Mohammad Ali Shabani, Editor of Amwaj Media have also added their voices to the discussion.
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