Topline
A broadcast of Iran’s state-run television channel was interrupted on Monday when the Israeli military attacked the station, as Israeli officials claim the building was occupied “under the guise of civilian activity” by Iran, which has controlled the news agency while suppressing press freedom in the country for decades.
Smoke rises from the building of Iran's state-run television after an Israeli strike in Tehran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Iran’s state-run broadcaster, confirmed its headquarters in Tehran was attacked Monday, which “briefly halted” live programming for the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network though it “returned to normal” a few minutes later.
Sahar Emami, a news anchor for IRINN, was speaking live on air around 11 a.m. EDT when an explosion shook the studio, causing the screen to fill with smoke, dust and debris as she quickly left the scene.
The Israel Defense Forces said Monday a “precise strike” targeted a “communication center” used by Iran’s military “under the guise of civilian activity, covering up the military use of the center’s infrastructure and assets.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz appeared to confirm the strike on IRIB, writing on X “the Iranian regime’s propaganda and broadcasting authority” was attacked by the IDF after Israel warned Tehran of planned strikes in the area.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, accused Israel of committing war crimes and claimed Israeli leadership is the “biggest enemy of truth and the No. 1 killer of journalists.”
Iran has been criticized by press freedom organizations for decades, including for efforts to arrest journalists and shutter news outlets under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, who has accused independent media outlets of opposing the Iranian government.
Israel warned earlier Monday that planned strikes would target the “Iranian regime’s military infrastructure,” including a wave of attacks in central Tehran. Israel and Iran have traded strikes over the last four days, as Israel said 24 people have been killed in the country and more than 500 injured. The IRNA has claimed Israel “launched attacks on civilians and various infrastructures,” including nuclear and military, while Iran’s health ministry said at least 224 people have been killed since Friday.