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July 16, 2025 – Iran/Israel –
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has strongly condemned the deaths of Iranian media workers Nima Rajabpour and Masoumeh Azimi, who were killed during an Israeli airstrike on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters in Tehran on June 16, 2025. Rajabpour, a 50-year-old news editor, and Azimi, an administrative staff member, were critically injured in the attack and died shortly thereafter. Their deaths highlight the severe risks faced by journalists and media personnel operating in conflict zones, where media infrastructure is increasingly targeted during military operations.
Azoulay called for a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the incident, emphasising that media facilities and journalists are protected under international humanitarian law. She reiterated the importance of respecting United Nations Security Council Resolution 2222, which explicitly affirms the protection of journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel as civilians in armed conflict.
The airstrike, which targeted IRIB’s broadcasting centre, not only caused the tragic loss of two media workers but also raised significant concerns about the growing threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists in conflict areas. UNESCO’s condemnation underlines the urgent need for all parties in conflict to respect international norms and to safeguard the rights and security of journalists who play a vital role in informing the public and holding power to account.
These killings serve as a stark reminder of the dangers media workers face and the international community’s responsibility to protect journalists from violence and impunity. UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to promoting press freedom globally and to advocating for justice and accountability for attacks on media personnel.
The deaths of Nima Rajabpour and Masoumeh Azimi represent not only a profound loss to the Iranian media community but also a challenge to global efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of journalists worldwide. The organisation continues to call on all governments and parties involved in conflicts to uphold their obligations to protect journalists under international law.
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