Credited from: SCMP
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building in Tehran on Monday, interrupting live broadcasts as explosions rang out in the studio. The attack came just hours after Israel warned residents to evacuate District 3, where the broadcaster is located, due to impending strikes, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.
The IRIB attack caused immediate devastation, with a presenter fleeing the scene as the studio filled with debris. Reports indicate that at least one staff member was killed, as confirmed by Iranian media sources after the strike interrupted live coverage, according to Dawn and AA.
Following the Israeli assault, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a "wicked act" and "war crime," demanding that the United Nations Security Council take action against Israel. The spokesman, Esmail Baqai, emphasized that such strikes on media institutions highlighted an ongoing pattern of aggression, according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.
The conflict has inflicted substantial casualties, with estimates indicating over 224 fatalities in Iran and 24 in Israel due to missile strikes. Iran's retaliation has seen missile attacks reaching deep into Israeli territory, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure, as reported by South China Morning Post and BBC.
Amid the intensifying violence, Iranian leadership has called on the United States to leverage its influence to broker a ceasefire with Israel. This call was reiterated by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who stressed that one phone call from President Trump could halt the conflict, highlighting Iran’s willingness to negotiate around its nuclear program if hostilities cease, according to The Jakarta Post and Dawn.
In an urgent situation reflecting widespread fear and panic, many residents in Tehran are attempting to flee, indicating large traffic jams on highways leading out of the city as they seek refuge from the ongoing conflict. The public sentiment in Iran reflects deep concern over the potential for escalating violence affecting civilian life, as detailed by India Times and Dawn.