The turmoil in Iran that led to an information blackout in that nation has prompted the BBC to launch a temporary shortwave radio service for listeners there. Medium and shortwave frequencies have been carrying programmes each day starting at 1630 UTC. The content includes news and analysis relevant to Iran and provides a global perspective. In announcing the service, the BBC said this was part of its tradition of providing crisis broadcasting, adding that the broadcasts will remain on the air until the end of March.

Half-hour programming is broadcast starting at 16:30 UTC on both 702 kHz and 9465 kHz and repeated starting at 1800 UTC on both 702 kHz and 5935 kHz.