Frederik Pleitgen, CNN’s senior international correspondent, has returned to his home in Berlin after a week reporting from Iran as the only Western television journalist granted a visa during the recent conflict. The 49-year-old described the assignment as a “big responsibility” and acknowledged the unique access came with heightened scrutiny.
Pleitgen, who also serves as a Moscow correspondent, said his wife had a “bad feeling” about the trip, but he felt it was too important an opportunity to miss. While in Iran, he and his producer were forced to flee a site after hearing anti-aircraft fire and an explosion. The journalist stressed that despite restrictions, “it’s always better to be on the ground than to not be on the ground.”
The visa was obtained through the culture ministry, which required Pleitgen to inform authorities before travelling to strike sites to avoid confrontations with Revolutionary Guard security officials. He noted the process was “more restrictive this time than in the past,” but he could still cover most of what he wanted.
Pleitgen faced online criticism, including from a member of the Trump administration, for reporting with the government’s permission and for interviewing the supreme leader’s foreign policy adviser. He was not surprised, attributing the backlash to polarised US political discourse, and said he does not take offence.
Defending his coverage’s independence, Pleitgen said he felt good about what they achieved regarding the ongoing war. He acknowledged the high stakes for the Iranian diaspora and others, adding, “I can take the criticism … I understand people are charged up.”
