The Israeli military said it struck the broadcast headquarters of Iran’s state television channel IRINN.
The confirmation came after multiple explosions interrupted a broadcast with anchor Sahar Imami. She was speaking live on air when the building began to shake, and the screams were heard on TV. The screen then filled with smoke as she hurried off-screen.
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The Israel Defense Forces said its air force “conducted a precise strike based on intelligence provided by the Intelligence Directorate, targeting a communication center that was being used for military purposes by the Iranian Armed Forces.”
“The building was used by the Iranian Armed Forces under the guise of civilian activity, covering up the military use of the center’s infrastructure and assets. The strike directly harmed the military capabilities of the Iranian Armed Forces,” the IDF added.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz additionally confirmed that the Israeli military struck the studio.
“The Iranian regime’s propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a large-scale evacuation of the surrounding area. We will hit the Iranian dictator everywhere,” Katz said on social media.
Hassan Abedini, deputy director of Iran’s state broadcasting, said some employees were injured in the strike, but did not specify a number.
The attack appeared to strike just one of IRINN’s buildings, but the broadcaster has several buildings throughout central Tehran.
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Elham Abedini, another Iranian state television anchor, filmed the wreckage in an Instagram livestream, which showed people running and shouting amid the wreckage.
The attack was preceded by Israel issuing an evacuation order to residents in parts of Tehran ahead of strikes.