The story: A diplomatic and security crisis has erupted in Iraq over a Saudi TV channel’s description of slain leaders of Iran-backed armed groups as “terrorists.” Only hours after the report, protesters reportedly aligned with the targeted groups sacked the Baghdad office of Saudi media conglomerate MBC. Given the growing scale of the controversy, Iraqi authorities are moving to cancel the channel’s operating license—eliciting a range of heated reactions. 

The coverage: Featuring Saudi journalist Mohammed Al-Mishari, the MBC segment likened assassinated leaders of Iran-backed groups to...