Mohammad Ali Ramin, a watchdog official and deputy Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister, said the publications were 'not committed to journalistic duties, breached media regulations, printed superficial materials and propagated materialism.'

The leading reformist daily, Bahar (Spring), was accused of having published 'rumours and lies,' Ramin said, quoted by Mehr. The other 16 journals warned were: Nasl Emrouz, Banu Shargi, Ayne Zendegi, Payamavar, Sepidar, Pishkhan, Zendegi Irani, Medad Rangi, Zendegi Edeal, Ruiesh, Kohenoor, Tohid, Rahe Zendegi, Sinamaye Emrouz, Chelcheragh and Football.