As the war in Iran intensified, obtaining reliable firsthand accounts from inside the country became increasingly difficult. Internet disruptions, fear of surveillance and the risk of arrest left many Iranians unwilling or unable to speak, making direct reporting exceptionally challenging.
Amir-Hussein Radjy and Sarah El Deeb pushed through those barriers with persistent source development, repeatedly finding and persuading people inside Iran to share their experiences — often as they moved in and out of connectivity using VPNs or other workarounds.
With the help of an anonymous contributor, the team spoke to 10 people across the country, gathering rare insight into how ordinary Iranians are navigating life under airstrikes and uncertainty. Their accounts provided a crucial human perspective on a conflict that is often understood only through official statements and battlefield updates.
Enterprise editor Lee Keath worked closely with the reporters to shape the narrative, while Top Stories editor Joe Krauss helped frame the broader context.
Judges praised the tenacity required to reach sources in such restrictive conditions and the depth of storytelling that brought those voices to a global audience.
For amazing effort to get the voices of Iranians inside the country at war, Amir-Hussein Radjy, Sarah El Deeb, Lee Keath and an anonymous contributor win this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.
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