Challenges Faced by Journalists Reporting from Iran

Even before the current war, Iran was one of the most challenging places in the world for journalists. Much of The New York Times’ reporting is conducted remotely. They rely on contacts inside Iran, verified visual materials, and social media posts.

This month, Abdi Latif Dahir, a Middle East correspondent, and Emile Ducke, a photographer, were the first journalists from The Times to visit Iran after the United States and Israel launched attacks in late February. Accompanied by two colleagues from the video department, they traveled from three continents to cover the funeral ceremonies of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s deceased supreme leader.

The deputy editor for Trust, Mike Abrams, interviewed Abdi to discuss how he prepared for the assignment and overcame obstacles. Here are some key insights from their conversation:

Abdi Latif Dahir: The funeral ceremonies took place over several days in different cities. I attended four of them, and each was more crowded and emotional than the last. The most intense was the procession ending at Tehran’s Azadi Square. It was a hot day, and the crowds seemed endless.

The massive turnout and the historical weight of the event made it extraordinary. It was a funeral for a man revered by millions but also marked by repression and pain for many others. His legacy is one of deep veneration and profound suffering.