An Israeli airstrike hit the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters in southwest Tehran on Monday, disrupting a live television broadcast and escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
The explosion occurred while a presenter was on air criticizing Israel, forcing an immediate cut to the live transmission. Iranian media shared footage showing smoke billowing inside the studio and the anchor fleeing the scene. The Israeli military confirmed the strike targeted a “communication center” used by Iran’s military under the guise of civilian operations.
Iran condemned the attack as a “war crime” and called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the strike as a “wicked act” and urged the international body to stop what he called “genocidal aggression” against the Iranian people. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also denounced the attack as “inhuman, criminal and a terrorist act.”
This strike is part of a broader Israeli campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Since Friday, Israeli operations have killed at least 224 people in Iran, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks that have killed at least 24 people in Israel.
The attack on IRIB, a state broadcaster closely linked to the Iranian government, marks a significant escalation in the conflict, affecting up to 330,000 residents in Tehran who were warned to evacuate the area. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike as hitting the “propaganda broadcast authority” and vowed further actions against Iranian targets.
The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to exchange attacks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
