Post Reports Jason Rezaian, Iran and the costs of press freedom
Jan 31, 2026
Jason Rezaian, Washington Post journalist turned press freedom director, recounts his wrongful detention in Iran. Yeganeh Rezaian, former Iranian journalist and advocate, reflects on resilience and risks to civil society. Brett McGurk, former U.S. envoy, describes the secret negotiations that secured Jason’s release. They discuss Iran’s protests, information blackouts, shrinking foreign reporting, and how to support Iranians going forward.
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Window Into Iran Has Rapidly Closed
- Jason says the window for international news coverage inside Iran has rapidly closed over the past decade.
- He warns that lack of on-the-ground reporting leaves global audiences deeply disadvantaged in understanding Iran.
Shutting Down Communication Signals Regime Fear
- Yeganeh describes escalating internet shutdowns and widescale repression during recent protests.
- She argues the regime's brutality signals weakness but also a willingness to use extreme force to cling to power.
Regime Fall Doesn’t Guarantee Better Leadership
- Jason warns that while the regime may fall, replacement leaders are not necessarily inside Iran and may not improve governance.
- He stresses the need to cultivate a constructive future led by Iranians rather than external parachuted figures.
