politics
March 14, 2026
CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen on being the only western journalist in Iran: ‘It’s obviously a big responsibility’
Network has faced Trump’s ire and Pleitgen has faced criticism, but it is ‘better to be on the ground’ he says
TL;DR
- Frederik Pleitgen was the only Western television correspondent with a visa to report from Iran during a war.
- He experienced a close call when he and his producer had to flee after hearing anti-aircraft fire and an explosion.
- CNN faced criticism, including a dismissive tweet from a member of the Trump administration, for Pleitgen reporting from Iran with government permission.
- Pleitgen believes it is always better to be on the ground reporting, even with restrictions.
- He describes the safety measures taken in Tehran, such as moving to the bottom floor of the hotel during bombing.
- Pleitgen plans to request another visa to return to Iran as he believes it is important to be there and see what is happening.