The story: The Ebrahim Raisi administration is being accused of trying to exert more control over Iranian media. A new plan to compel journalists to apply for "trade licenses" has sparked an uproar among media workers. Activists and journalists say such a measure will lead to more censorship in a country where freedom of expression is already highly limited.

Further complicating the situation, the Raisi government has not disclosed the details of the plan, which observers nonetheless have denounced as "threatening."

The coverage: Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mahdi Esmaili on Sept. 18 announced plans to issue "trade licenses" for journalists.

• The minister lamented the authorities' inability to "enforce the law concerning the media" and said the plan would...