Conflict between Iran and Israel reached a new height on Monday, June 16, as an Israeli strike hit the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building in Tehran while it was airing a live program.
The attack abruptly cut the broadcast, with Iranian media showing the moment the presenter left the set amid chaos.
According to Iranian reports, the blast occurred just as the anchor was criticizing Israel on air.
The screen went dark, and live coverage was briefly disrupted before resuming later.
Smoke was seen rising from the southwest part of Tehran following the strike.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “war crime” and a “wicked act.”
He urged the United Nations Security Council to intervene.
“The UNSC must act now to stop the genocidal aggressor from committing further atrocities against our people,” Esmaeil Baqaei said.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also condemned the strike, labeling it an “inhuman, criminal, and terrorist act.”
This escalation comes just days after Israel launched a surprise offensive on Iranian territory, claiming to target nuclear and military facilities.
The attacks have so far claimed the lives of at least 224 individuals in Iran, including senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
In response, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks into Israeli territory, reportedly killing at least 24 people, according to figures from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.
