Saudi-run satellite operator Arabsat continues to ban Iran's al-Alam from broadcasting on the air despite the news channel's request for an explanation.

Arabsat has accused Iran's Arabic-language news channel of violating the rules of broadcasting.

In particular, Arabsat has claimed that Al-Alam breached its commitments by criticizing some figures in the Arab world.

Al-Alam has called on the operator to mention the exact time and date of the programs which they have found offensive.

According to al-Alam authorities, the Iran-based television network was taken off the air by both Arabsat and Egyptian-run Nilesat on Tuesday without prior notice.

The channel authorities say the move is in violation of previous contracts with the two satellite companies.

Al-Alam has been seeking an explanation from the operators, but they have so far refused to give further details about their decision to take the news channel off the air.

AR/AKM