Why it matters:
The remarks underscore Iran’s emphasis on the media’s role in wartime resistance narratives and its condemnation of Israeli military actions against media outlets, framing them as violations of international law.
The big picture:
The 12-day conflict saw Israeli forces strike on Iran’s national broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), an act of pure violation of international norms and regulations. Under international conventions, media facilities are considered civilian objects and are not to be attacked during armed conflict.
What he’s saying:
Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran:
“You journalists, through your efforts during the 12-day war, neutralized criminal plots. I hope you will help us reach unity and cohesion despite differences in opinion and taste.”
He emphasized the importance of nationwide solidarity across all provinces, ethnicities, and languages in realizing the vision outlined by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Key points:
Pezeshkian visited IRIB headquarters on Saturday, August 8, marking National Journalist Day.
He toured sections of the network, including a building destroyed during the 12-day conflict.
He accused the Israeli regime of deliberately targeting the IRIB building because of its influence.
He reiterated that under international law, attacking media centers is prohibited.
Between the lines:
By framing the attack as a breach of global norms, Tehran seeks to position Israel as a regime disregarding the rules of war, while reinforcing the legitimacy of Iranian media as a resistance tool.
Go deeper:
The president linked wartime journalism to broader nation-building, calling on all Iranians, regardless of their political orientation or ethnicity, to contribute to a united and resilient country in line with the Leader’s strategic vision.
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