Iran Parliament Speaker Honors Journalists as Defenders of National Identity

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised journalists as defenders of national identity in a message on Saturday, marking National Journalists' Day in Iran. The occasion, observed on the 17th day of the Iranian calendar month of Mordad, commemorates the martyrdom of Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reporter Mahmoud Saremi and eight Iranian diplomats at the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 1998.

In his message, Ghalibaf emphasized that the fate of nations is determined not only on the battlefield but also on the front of narrative. He said, "Zionism and global arrogance do not bomb cities alone; they have also targeted truth and people's trust. If they once waged wars against civilizations with bullets, they are now entering the field with news, images, rumors, and distortion."

The speaker added that in such a world, reporters are not merely responsible for producing news but are "fighters whose fortress is knowledge, whose weapon is truth, and whose mission is to defend psychological security, national identity, and the cultural sovereignty of a nation."

Ghalibaf cited the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, which began on February 28 and lasted 40 days, as the most recent example of Iranian reporters conveying the truth to the world. He said, "The third imposed war demonstrated to people across the world that proud Iran is not only invincible on the military front, but also on the front of narrative. The sons of this land do not allow the enemy to impose its illusory victories on public opinion."

He praised Iranian reporters for accurately portraying the nation's resistance during the conflict. According to Mehr News Agency (MNA), Ghalibaf's remarks underscore the importance of journalism in safeguarding national interests and countering hostile propaganda.