In 1979, eight months after Islamic radicals overthrew the Shah of Iran, Razmi took a photograph of the execution by firing squad of 11 Kurds at a provincial airport. The men had been summarily tried and accused of fomenting disturbances. All had claimed their innocence.

The image that Razmi took that day quickly made its way around the world and was credited to the United Press International, though it did not carry Razmi's name. The editor of the Tehran-based newspaper for which he worked decided that given the political, situation it might be safer if he was not identified. Within months, the image won a Pulitzer Prize . . . awarded for the only time in its history to "an anonymous photographer".

Over the years, Razmi, now 58 and still living in Iran, had watched as others had sought to claim credit for the picture, but it was not until last weekend that he was identified, in an article in the Wall Street Journal. "There is no more reason to hide, " he said.

On Thursday, the Pulitzer board announced that Mr Razmi would now be formally recognised, awarded his $10,000 prize and invited to New York for a ceremony. Sig Gissler, administrator of the Pulitzers, said: "We understand that Razmi, who is the best judge of his circumstances, is eager to receive the award."