Defence Minister Katz vows ‘propaganda mouthpiece is on its way to disappear’ as IDF targets Tehran media centre
Dramatic footage has emerged showing an Iranian state television presenter fleeing the studio during a live broadcast as Israeli bombs struck the building in Tehran, forcing the network off the air.
The strikes on Iran’s state TV headquarters mark a significant escalation in Israel’s campaign against Iranian infrastructure, with Defence Minister Israel Katz declaring: “The Iranian propaganda and incitement mouthpiece is on its way to disappear.”
The attack comes as Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” enters its fourth day, with the conflict showing no signs of abating despite mounting casualties on both sides.
Live Broadcast Chaos
The extraordinary moment was captured on camera as the state TV presenter was seen hastily abandoning the studio mid-broadcast when explosions rocked the building.
Iran’s state television network was immediately taken off air following the Israeli strikes, marking the first time the regime’s primary propaganda outlet has been silenced during the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli Defence Forces had issued an evacuation warning for the area in Tehran where the television studios are located, suggesting the strike was carefully planned to minimise casualties while maximising symbolic impact.
Strategic Target
The targeting of Iran’s state media represents a new phase in Israel’s campaign, moving beyond military and nuclear facilities to strike at the regime’s ability to communicate with its population.
State television has been crucial for the Iranian government in:
- Broadcasting regime propaganda
- Rallying public support during the conflict
- Showing footage of missile strikes on Israel
- Airing statements from Supreme Leader Khamenei
The silencing of this key communication channel comes at a critical time as reports emerge of Iranian citizens celebrating Israeli strikes on regime targets.
Part of Wider Campaign
The attack on state TV is part of Israel’s broader “Operation Rising Lion” which has:
- Destroyed key nuclear facilities including Natanz
- Killed top military commanders including IRGC chief Hossein Salami
- Struck oil and gas infrastructure
- Targeted government buildings including the Foreign Ministry
The campaign has left over 224 dead in Iran and sparked retaliatory missile strikes that have killed 14 in Israel.
Propaganda War Escalates
By targeting Iran’s state media, Israel appears to be attempting to disrupt the regime’s ability to control the narrative domestically, particularly as reports emerge of:
- Iranians thanking “Uncle Netanyahu” for killing regime leaders
- Citizens fleeing Tehran in panic
- Internet restrictions being imposed nationwide
- Opposition figures calling for regime change
The strike on state TV facilities represents a calculated move to prevent the regime from broadcasting propaganda to counter these narratives.
International Reaction
The targeting of media infrastructure has raised concerns internationally about the escalating nature of the conflict.
While Israel maintains it issued evacuation warnings to minimise casualties, the deliberate targeting of civilian broadcasting infrastructure marks a significant escalation in tactics.
The attack comes as:
- Nuclear talks between Iran and the US have been cancelled
- President Trump vetoed plans to assassinate Khamenei
- International leaders call for restraint
- The conflict threatens to engulf the wider region
What’s Next?
With Iran’s primary propaganda outlet silenced, questions remain about:
- How the regime will communicate with its population
- Whether backup broadcasting facilities exist
- If this will further fuel internal dissent
- How Iran will retaliate for this symbolic strike
As one analyst noted: “Striking state TV isn’t just about silencing propaganda – it’s about showing Iranians that the regime can’t protect even its most visible institutions.
The incident adds another layer of complexity to an already dangerous confrontation that shows no signs of de-escalation, with both sides promising further strikes in the coming days.
Image credit:
Israel Katz on July 3, 2024 (248th U.S. Independence Day Celebration in Israel) by U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, taken on 3 July 2024, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
