SAEDNEWS: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian marked National Journalists’ Day by honoring reporters who lost their lives in war coverage, particularly during Israel’s attacks on Iran. He called journalists “commanders on the frontline of truth” and stressed the need for unwavering honesty and resilience in the media.
According to Saed News’ political desk, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a message issued today, Friday (August 8), on the occasion of National Journalists’ Day, congratulated all those active in the field of news and stated:
“I honor the name and memory of martyr Mahmoud Saremi and all the dear martyrs of the realm of the pen, awareness, and enlightenment on Journalists’ Day—a day that commemorates the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to tell the truth and keep the light of public awareness burning.”
According to IRNA’s political desk, quoting the Presidential Information Office, the President added in his message:
“Alongside these figures, I also pay tribute to all the martyred journalists who gave their lives in defense of the homeland and in reporting the attacks of the Zionist regime against our beloved Iran and its citizens. These are the ones who stood at the forefront of storytelling and, through their words and images, recorded the history of this nation’s resistance.”
He went on to say that Journalists’ Day is not just a date on the calendar, but an opportunity to reflect once more on the irreplaceable role of the media: in truthfully portraying reality, building public trust, uniting the hearts of the people, and standing against distortion and lies.
“This day is a reminder of all those who, in the midst of chaotic arenas and the dust of conflicting narratives, never let the flag of honor, independence, and awareness fall,” he said.
Pezeshkian noted that today’s world is plagued by “the chaos of meaning” and “the war of narratives,” where truth is sometimes fabricated before it is even discovered.
“The journalist is the commander on the front line of defending the truth,” he stressed. “In the very days when the Iranian nation, during 12 perilous days of battle with a child-killing, lawless regime and its supporters, displayed the grandeur of its power, it was these journalists who kept the narrative of resistance alive—writing about the martyrs of the homeland and carrying the voice of Iran’s plight to the world.”
The President added:
“I feel obliged to sincerely thank all those who published the truth about the Zionist regime’s war against Iran in their media and carried the voice of the Iranian people to the ears of the world’s receptive audiences. We can never forget the courage and bravery of the journalists who truthfully documented the vile crimes and genocide committed by the Zionist regime in oppressed Gaza and who themselves attained the lofty rank of martyrdom.”
He emphasized that today, more than ever, the nation needs “honest clarity,” “dignified perseverance,” and “unshakable defense.”
“Defending Iran is not only done on the battlefield—it sometimes takes shape in a well-crafted headline, an accurate report, or by standing up to distortion and the spread of despair.”
Pezeshkian continued:
“As President, I proudly congratulate Journalists’ Day to all the devoted fighters in the arenas of news, reporting, analysis, and storytelling. Our duty is to safeguard the security, dignity, honor, and livelihood of journalists—not just in words, but in practice, as a governmental responsibility.”
He concluded by urging journalists:
“Just as you defend the people’s right to know, defend the truth about Iran. Tell the story of Iran with all its wounds and glories. Write of the homeland not with hesitation, but with honor, and do not fear telling the truth, even when it is heavy. I salute the vigilant pens, the truth-seeking cameras, the fearless eyes, and the hearts in pain of the media community.”
