TEHRAN — The conflict between Iran and Israel entered a new and dangerous phase after Israeli airstrikes struck Iran’s state television headquarters during a live broadcast.
Israel Hits Iran’s State TV in Live Broadcast Amid Widening War
The building of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) was hit while programs were being aired. A video widely shared on Iranian media showed a presenter live on air as the studio shook from the impact. She was later seen exiting the frame. The channel resumed operations shortly after the attack.
Senior IRIB official Hassan Abedini stated:
“The Zionist regime, the enemy of the Iranian nation, minutes ago conducted a military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran news network.”
“The regime (Israel) was unaware of the fact that the voice of the Islamic revolution and the great Iran will not be silenced with a military operation.”
The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for Tehran’s third district — home to IRIB, multiple embassies, hospitals, and government buildings — saying:
“Dear citizens, for your safety, please leave the mentioned area in the third district of Tehran immediately… Your presence in this area endangers your life.”
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz declared:
“The Iranian propaganda and incitement megaphone is about to disappear.”
He also warned:
“The residents of Tehran will pay the price, and soon.”
Ballistic Strikes and Civilian Toll
Iran responded with a heavy missile barrage targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and occupied-Jerusalem. According to Iranian media, these strikes resulted in at least 24 Israeli casualties.
The Israeli Air Force had earlier struck multiple high-value targets in Tehran and beyond, including military sites and residential areas. Iran’s health ministry said that over 220 people have been killed so far, among them at least 70 women and children.
One of the hardest-hit locations was Kermanshah, where Israeli strikes damaged a major missile site and Farabi Hospital, injuring several ICU patients. Iranian officials condemned the hospital bombing as a war crime, while the Israeli military claimed it had no information on the incident.
Satellite imagery showed structural damage to missile infrastructure in the area, part of what analysts believe is an attempt by Israel to reduce Iran’s offensive capabilities.
Netanyahu: “We Are in Control of Tehran Skies”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Tel Nof airbase on Monday, declaring:
“We are on our way to achieving our two objectives: eliminating the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat.”
“We are taking action,” he added, warning Iranian citizens to leave key areas in the capital.
Regional and Global Reaction
As the war intensifies, diplomatic efforts are under strain. Russia has called for restraint from Israel and emphasized Iran’s right to self-defence. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated:
“The potential dangerous consequences of strikes on nuclear infrastructure facilities are obvious to everyone. This is a cause for concern for the entire international community.”
Meanwhile, cities across Iran, including Tehran, witnessed overnight panic as residents fled amid fears of more airstrikes. Footage showed traffic jams and crowded roads as civilians sought safety.
Iran’s New Drone
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has introduced a new long-range suicide drone named Shahed-107, boasting a range of over 1,500 kilometers. Reports say it recently approached Israeli airspace, raising concerns about gaps in Israel’s Arrow 3 air defense system.
Trump Urges Diplomacy
Amid the escalating violence, former U.S. President Donald Trump called for immediate talks between both sides, saying:
“I’d say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately before it’s too late.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded, saying:
“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.”
“Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue. It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy.”
Benjamin Netanyahu is a wanted war criminal. He is also a con man who has duped successive U.S. Presidents into fighting his own wars for almost three decades.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 16, 2025
By all indications, the purpose of Netanyahu's criminal attack on Iran—killing hundreds of innocent civilians,… pic.twitter.com/d1p6ZmSEEg
With both nations continuing air raids and no ceasefire in sight, international observers warn that further escalation could destabilize the entire region.