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Live Israeli Airstrike on Iranian State TV Headquarters Unfolds on Air

By Aaron Boxerman, Farnaz Fassihi, Aric Toler and Sanjana VargheseSource: nytimes.com2 min read
A dramatic Israeli military airstrike on the Iranian state broadcaster during a live broadcast sent shockwaves through Tehran, as terrified viewers witnessed an explosion unfold in real-time.**Summary** On June 16, 2025, viewers tuning into Iran’s state television were stunned when an Israeli airstrike struck the broadcaster’s headquarters, forcing the news anchor to flee amidst chaos. The Israeli military characterized the attack as targeting a “communication center” for the Iranian military attributed to civilian operations. In a shocking turn of events on June 16, 2025, a live broadcast from Iran’s state television was interrupted by an Israeli military airstrike that hit the broadcaster’s headquarters in Tehran. As the anchor, Sahar Emami, reported the news, an explosion rocked the building, sending debris and chaos through the set, with the sounds of shattering glass and panic echoing across the airwaves.Clips of the incident show a plume of smoke engulfing the studio, as Emami exited the set in haste, leaving viewers in a state of alarm. Iranian state media reported injuries among staff members, but the exact number remains undisclosed. Firefighters battled the blaze, which was visible from a distance, with a significant column of black smoke rising into the sky.The Israeli defense minister stated that the airstrike aimed at eliminating what he called a “mouthpiece of Iranian propaganda.” In a follow-up statement, the Israeli military claimed that its targets primarily consisted of a communication center allegedly utilized by the Iranian military.As news of the strike reverberated, Iranian state news agency IRNA confirmed the attack, noting the program was briefly interrupted but resumed shortly after. Meanwhile, the Iranian state broadcaster has a history of being tightly controlled by the government, often used to distribute state narratives, and operates under strict limits on press freedom.Adding to the tension, before the strike, the Israeli military had issued an evacuation warning for the densely populated district surrounding the broadcaster. This is consistent with Israeli strategies in past conflicts, where civilians are warned of impending strikes, which often leads to widespread fear and unrest.Elham Abedini, another anchor, documented the disarray via her Instagram live stream, showing viewers the chaos that ensued after the airstrike. In the backdrop of accusations and retaliations, tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate amid these dramatic developments, painting a grim picture of the ongoing conflict dynamics in the region.

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