Complaint
A viewer complained that a reference to “enemy shipping” in a report about the US-Israel war with Iran breached the BBC’s requirements for due impartiality.
Outcome
The term “enemy shipping” occurred in the presenter’s introduction, with reference to President Trump:
He also urged allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, warning earlier it would be “very bad for the future of Nato” if it didn't help protect the vital waterway, which is currently being blocked by Iran to enemy shipping.
The ECU considered it evident the term “enemy” in this context referred to countries at war with Iran, ie Iran’s “enemies”. It was a purely descriptive usage and did not suggest or imply that the presenter was offering a personal opinion.
Not Upheld
