Catherine Perez-Shakdam's Engagement with Iran

Her access extended beyond mere journalistic contributions. Perez-Shakdam traveled frequently to Iran, undertaking at least five trips, totaling around 18 days within the country. During these visits, she managed to secure interviews with high-ranking Iranian officials, most notably then-presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi in 2017. She even accompanied Raisi on campaign travels, sitting for an exclusive interview, a level of access that underscored the trust she had cultivated with Iranian authorities, reportedly due to her French nationality and her perceived Muslim identity.