Chaos unfolded on live television Monday night as an Israeli airstrike struck near the headquarters of Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), forcing an anchor off-camera and briefly cutting transmission.
The dramatic moment occurred around 9:48 p.m. WAT, just an hour after Israeli forces reportedly issued a warning about impending strikes in the area of Tehran housing the station.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as an “unprovoked act of aggression,” with spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei demanding international accountability.
“The world is watching: targeting Iran’s news agency #IRIB’s office during live broadcast is a wicked act of war crime,” Baqaei posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Video footage showed Sahar Emami, a news anchor, hastily leaving her seat as the screen behind her flickered and dust began to fill the studio.
In the background, voices could be heard shouting “Allahu akbar,” meaning “God is great,” before the broadcast abruptly switched to a pre-recorded segment.
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Minutes later, Emami reappeared live from a different studio alongside another anchor, continuing coverage as images circulated online showing plumes of smoke and fire lighting up the Tehran skyline.
According to IRINN, the network’s building was hit by four bombs during the strike.
No immediate reports of casualties were confirmed, but the shock and disruption sent waves through Iran’s media and political circles.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, swiftly claimed responsibility. In a strongly worded statement, he said: “The Iranian regime’s propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a widespread evacuation of the area’s residents. We will strike the Iranian dictator everywhere.”
The strike marks a sharp escalation in already simmering tensions between the two countries, as regional and global leaders call for restraint to avoid a broader conflict.