Israel hits Iranian state TV station while live on air

TEHRAN,—Israeli missiles struck the headquarters of Iran’s state-run television channel, Iran News Network (IRINN), in Tehran’s District Three on Monday, according to official sources.

The airstrike followed a warning issued by the Israel Defense Forces urging residents in the area to evacuate.

“The Israeli army will soon begin operations against the military infrastructure of the Iranian regime in this area. Remaining here puts your life in danger,” the IDF stated on X.

The attack temporarily disrupted the channel’s live programming.

Israel hits Iranian state TV station while live on air, Tehran, Iran, June 16, 2025. Photo: Screengrab/video/X

During a broadcast, smoke began filling the studio, and the anchor left the set mid-show.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier labeled the station a “mouthpiece for Iranian propaganda,” saying it was “on its way to disappearing.”

District Three, where the facility is located, had been flagged for civilian evacuation shortly before the strike took place.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel now had “control of the skies” over Tehran.

He called it a “shift in the entire campaign” and stated that the country was advancing toward dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile development efforts.

WOW! Iran’s State TV was just bombed LIVE ON AIR by IDF aircraft.

This is WILD…
pic.twitter.com/PU9GL7tVW0

— Cillian (@CilComLFC)
June 16, 2025

Meanwhile, Israeli emergency responders confirmed that eight people were killed following an Iranian missile barrage targeting Israeli cities. That brings the total number of Israeli fatalities since Friday to 23.

The latest strike follows Israeli air raids carried out last Friday, which killed 20 Iran’s top military leadership.

Among the dead were Armed Forces Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Hossein Salami, according to local sources.

(With files from Agencies)