Challenges of Reporting from Iran During Wartime

Reporting from Iran has always been challenging, even before the current conflict. Times journalists often work from afar, relying on inside contacts, verified visuals, and social media for information. Recently, a team led by Middle East correspondent Abdi Latif Dahir and photographer Emile Ducke became the first Times reporters to visit Iran since the United States and Israel’s attacks began in late February.

They went to Tehran to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies. This trip marked an essential return to on-the-ground reporting for The New York Times. I interviewed Abdi about the challenges faced and how they adapted to the circumstances. Here are edited insights from that conversation.

Describing the Crowds: Images of mourners at the funeral streamed worldwide, depicting packed streets. Abdi shared his experience:

ABDI LATIF DAHIR: The ceremonies spanned several days, occurring in various cities. I attended four of these, each more densely packed and emotionally charged. The most notable event was the funeral procession in Tehran’s Azadi Square. The day was hot, and the crowd seemed endless.

The scale and emotion were overwhelming. The funeral was for a leader revered by many yet criticized for a legacy marked by repression. It was a historical moment marked by deep emotions, both of admiration and pain.