DOHA – Delegations of Iran’s Tehran Times and Maremedia Group visited the headquarters of Al Jazeera Media Network in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday to take on the key role of media in debating joint journalism and exposing the massacre crimes of Israeli regimes in Gaza and West Asia.
The delegation’s visit marking its second trip since November 2024 saw a detailed look at Al Jazeera’s newsroom, editorial workflow and production studio.
Beyond technical insights, the discussion revolved around the shared perspectives of the two media groups and the historical role of the Qatar network in shaping the political, cultural and social narratives of the Arab world, with a particular emphasis on the Palestinian struggle.
One of Iran’s major media outlets, Mehr Media Group, along with Mehr’s news agency, includes the country’s leading international daily newspaper, The Tehran Times.
The group dates back to the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and operates offices in all 31 Iranian states and several neighboring states.
A key player in the local media landscape, Al Jazeera Media Network operates a diverse range of news and broadcast channels, including flagships Al Jazeera Arabic and Al Jazeera English.
Founded in 1996, the network is headquartered in Qatar, maintaining its presence in West Asia and beyond, providing global and regional operations coverage through a variety of platforms.
During the Iranian delegation’s visit, both sides emphasized the importance of amplifying voices against Israeli occupation and systematic violence.
Representatives of the Tehran Times outlined coverage of anti-Zionist perspectives around the world, citing the establishment principles of newspapers set by Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Hossein Beshti in 1979.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera staff detailed their focus on the causes of Gaza and Palestinian.
Al-Aqsa Storm: Turning Points for Al Jazeera
The visit highlighted a dramatic change in coverage after Operation Al Aksa Storm, an operation of Palestinian resistance against the Israeli regime, on October 7, 2023.
Staff revealed that regular programming has been stopped to prioritize real-time reports from Gaza.
“Since October 7th, we have stopped normal programming,” an Al Jazeera journalist told Thehran Times.
Popular morning shows, including those produced in “Studio 14,” have been suspended, including resources redirected to document Tel Aviv’s military atrocities.
Iranian delegations were also explained about increased Israeli pressure on the network, including the closure of offices and restrictions on journalists’ access to conflict zones.
In May 2024, the administration closed its office in Al Jazeera on the occupied West Bank, citing “biased reports,” but Gaza journalists continue to face serious dangers.
Martial artist’s bronze tree
In Al Jazeera’s courtyard, impressive bronze trees stand as evidence of journalists killed in conflict zones.
All the leaves have the names of journalists killed while reporting from the Frontline, covering the conflict from the US invasion of Iraq to Israel’s war with Gaza.
Since 2003, 18 Al Jazeera journalists have lost their lives in their duties, including Tareq Ayyoub, who was killed in Baghdad when a US ground attack aircraft launched a missile at the network’s headquarters in April 2003.
Most recently, Hosam Shabbat was killed by an Israeli airstrike in March 2024 after the administration broke a ceasefire in January and resumed attacks on Gaza’s population.
Shabat is one of at least 232 journalists and media workers killed by Israel in the past 18 months.
“They are our fallen heroes,” explained Al Jazeera staff. “We etch their names to show that they are still with us.
The monument reminiscent of their own martyred journalists, including Mahmoud Salemi, who died in 1998 by Afghanistan terrorists, and resonated deeply with Iranian representatives who were recognized annually on Iranian Journalist Day.
Additionally, representatives from the Tehran Times honored late Iranian journalist Mohammad Hossein Nabab, who was martyred by the extremist Bosnian Croatian forces during the Bosnian War.
Given the operation of the Qatar Media Network of the Al Jazeera Vulcans (AJB), a sister channel based in Sarajevo, his story has attracted particular interest from the staff at Al Jazeera.
The Iranian delegation also paid tribute to the fallen reporters of Al Jazeera, highlighting the enduring importance of their sacrifice.
“The truth cannot be bombed in silence,” the Tehran Times declared representatives of Qatar’s counterparts, celebrating the unshakable courage of journalists who risk their lives to expose Israeli invasions.
Shireen Abu Akleh: Journalist integrity icon
Among the names of the bronze tree of Al Jazeera martyr is Shireen Abu Akure, a Palestinian-American correspondent who was killed by the Israeli regime army in May 2022 during a report in Jenin.
Wearing a press vest, she was hit by a sniper bullet during the raid. This has been widely condemned as intentional.
“Sileen has become a global symbol of journalist integrity,” said a representative from Al Jazeera.
“We are calling on the world to remember her not only as a reporter, but as a mother and human with a shining soul.”
The network’s ongoing “Justice for Justice” campaign, spanning social media and grassroots, calls for accountability for the murder, reflecting Al Jazeera’s resolve to “carry a legacy of truth.”
“Journalists are the eyes of humanity,” said a representative from the Tehran Times. “Their sacrifices should never be forgotten.”