Her role at Hamshahri newspaper expanded, and she was soon appointed as the head of the foreign policy page. Kohnoord’s work gained attention for its depth and analytical rigor, which allowed her to explore the complex political dynamics of Turkey, Iran, and the wider West Asia region.
Working for CNN Turk and the Challenges Under the Ahmadinejad Presidency
As Kohnoord’s reputation as a journalist grew, she began reporting for CNN Turk from Tehran. However, her work was interrupted due to political tensions within Iran. After attending the last press conference of Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, Kohnoord found herself in hot water. The questions she asked during the press conference led to her being banned from working as a journalist, despite having official accreditation.
Kohnoord recalls this period as a turning point in her career. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who had just become the mayor of Tehran and was also the owner of Hamshahri newspaper, reportedly ordered her dismissal. This decision was accompanied by a defamatory article published in Kayhan newspaper, which accused her of spying for Turkey and described her as a young woman with “dubious relationships.” This campaign against Kohnoord led to widespread coverage in international media, sparking outrage over the treatment of journalists in Homeland.
