Why it matters:
The inclusion of this image underscores the global significance of Israel’s unprecedented 12‑day incursion into Iranian territory. While the conflict inflicted heavy damage, its documentation through photography ensures the events are not forgotten. Highlighting such moments in international media is vital to shaping collective memory and drawing attention to humanitarian consequences that might otherwise be overlooked.
The big picture:
AP photojournalists, stationed in more than 200 locations worldwide, are trusted eyewitnesses who have won 36 Pulitzer Prizes since 1917. Their work goes beyond observation, blending artistry, storytelling, and technical mastery to capture color, movement, grief, and resilience. From wildfires in California to protests in Nepal and heartbreak in Gaza, the 2025 collection reflects a year of turmoil and humanity. In this context, the Tehran image stands as a reminder that photography can carve grooves of collective memory, ensuring that the impact of war and suffering resonates far beyond borders.
Go deeper:
Ambassadors, Political Figures Visit 'Standing for Iran' Photo Exhibition
Hossein Amiri - Mahboubeh Habibi
