Israeli warplanes targeted and struck the headquarters of Iran’s state-run television network, IRIB, on Monday during a live broadcast, forcing the anchor off-air mid-sentence as the studio was rocked by a direct hit.

The strike occurred while the network was airing live coverage, including on-air criticism of Israel. Footage circulating online shows a female anchor abandoning her desk and fleeing the set as a powerful explosion shattered the backdrop, filling the studio with dust and debris.

The broadcast was immediately cut, with the screen switching to prerecorded content.

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The attack followed an earlier statement from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who declared that Iran’s state broadcaster was “on its way to disappearing,” referring to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting as a source of “propaganda and incitement.”

Shortly before the strike, Israeli authorities issued a warning advising evacuation of the Tehran district where the IRIB studios are located.

According to statements from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the airstrike was conducted after Israel gained full air superiority over Tehran by disabling Iran’s air defense systems.

The operation is part of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13.

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The campaign targets Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, missile development sites, command-and-control facilities, and what Israel describes as propaganda arms of the regime.

Iranian state media acknowledged the incident, with one on-air reporter describing “the sound of aggression against the homeland” just moments before the explosion interrupted the broadcast.

BREAKING: Iran’s state TV says it is being attacked by Israel. pic.twitter.com/1wKC9BgWD5

— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 16, 2025

The channel has not reported casualties, and the extent of damage to IRIB’s facilities remains unclear.

The Israeli government has not released detailed footage or further operational updates on the specific targeting of the broadcast facility.

However, defense officials say the strike is consistent with Israel’s effort to dismantle Iran’s ability to conduct both military operations and information warfare.

The situation in the region continues to draw international attention.

While the United States has provided support in intercepting Iranian missile launches, American officials have so far refrained from direct involvement in Israel’s broader campaign.

Meanwhile, European leaders, including Germany, have publicly backed Israel’s right to defend itself against escalating threats.

The strike on Iran’s state media outlet represents a notable shift in Israel’s targeting approach, as it expands beyond nuclear and military infrastructure to include information platforms affiliated with the Iranian regime.

The incident follows several days of heightened conflict between the two countries, with Israel executing precision strikes across multiple Iranian targets and Iran launching retaliatory missile attacks, many of which were intercepted.

As Operation Rising Lion continues, Israeli military officials say further phases of the campaign are underway and will intensify if Iran continues its current posture.

The Iranian government has not yet responded officially to the strike on IRIB.

The broadcast facility was one of the most high-profile targets hit in the capital since the beginning of the operation.

The Israeli military’s actions come amid broader efforts to neutralize perceived threats from Iranian-backed networks and strategic capabilities.

Israeli officials have reiterated their position that Iran’s nuclear ambitions, military escalation, and state-sponsored propaganda must be addressed decisively.

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