Iran Government TV Bombed During Live Broadcast as Israel Strikes Tehran

Tehran: A bomb exploded at the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran during a live broadcast today on June 16, 2025, intensifying already high tensions between Iran and Israel.

The explosion occurred while a news anchor was presenting live on official state television. Footage of the blast was aired as the anchor fled the studio. Although the broadcast was briefly interrupted, the channel resumed normal transmission from a backup studio about 30 minutes later.

Reports suggest significant damage to the IRIB building, with journalist casualties, but no official confirmation has been released. Satellite images and eyewitness accounts confirm widespread destruction in and around the TV station.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they have taken full control of Tehran’s airspace after disabling Iran’s air defense systems. This strike forms part of a broader Israeli military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, including missile depots and command centers in Tehran and other cities such as Kermanshah and Esfahan.

The attack on the television headquarters follows a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, escalating the ongoing conflict. Iran has retaliated by launching missile attacks on Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, resulting in casualties and damage. Iranian authorities have urged residents of Tel Aviv to evacuate immediately.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning that Israel would completely destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities should the missile attacks continue to escalate. Videos have emerged showing mass evacuations from northeastern Tehran and multiple bomb explosions in western parts of the city.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the Israeli attacks and accused the United States of allowing Israel to violate international law by targeting Iran. The U.S. has expressed concern over the violence but has stopped short of direct intervention. International leaders are calling for restraint as fears of a wider regional conflict grow.

According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, at least 224 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Iranian territory. However, human rights organisations report that the death toll could be as high as 406, including nearly 200 civilians.

As the conflict escalates, neighbouring countries remain on high alert, and diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire continue, though a resolution remains elusive.