In February, when the United States and Israel launched coördinated air strikes on Iran, the Persian Service had no journalists reporting in the region. journalist who has worked closely with the Persian Service told me. Lake said that her mission was “to shut the entire agency down as per the instructions of President Trump.” spokesman said that Persian Service editors decided on their own to air the speech.) spokesman said that the Persian Service had reported on the strike as part of a live TV broadcast on the day it happened.)