The story: Acclaimed Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has broken his silence on accusations that he has ties with the Iranian political establishment, sharply dismissing the allegations. This follows claims by a hardline media director that Farhadi is simultaneously associated with both the Iranian state and foreign countries to his own benefit.

The coverage: Davoud Moradian, head of the conservative Revayat-e Fath Foundation Documentary Group, made the initial claim about Farhadi’s alleged affiliations. Responding in a long Instagram post seemingly addressed to Moradian...