The Blubber

On Monday, Israeli forces targeted Iran’s state-run television network during a live broadcast, triggering an explosion mid-airing and causing the on-air reporter to flee the screen. The strike followed a barrage of Iranian missile attacks on Israel that resulted in at least eight deaths.

Ahead of the strike, Israel issued a warning to hundreds of thousands of residents in central Tehran, urging evacuation from the area around the TV station. Israeli military officials stated the broadcast facility was being used as a front for military operations.

This marked the fourth day of escalating hostilities, with Israel claiming it now commands the skies over Tehran and can operate above the city without encountering significant resistance.

The evacuation alert affected an estimated 330,000 people in a central district of Tehran that includes the country’s national broadcasting headquarters and police command center. Similar warnings have previously been issued by Israel for parts of Gaza and Lebanon prior to major military operations.

According to Iranian state media, the strike abruptly ended a live broadcast. During the segment, the anchor described the studio filling with dust amid the “sound of aggression against the homeland.” Moments later, an explosion interrupted the segment, shaking the set and prompting the reporter to rush off screen. The feed was quickly replaced by prerecorded content.

Elsewhere in Iran, in the northwestern city of Tabriz, mourners gathered around the body of Mohammadi Javad Naseri, who was reportedly killed in the Israeli attacks.

Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin declared on Monday that Israel had “complete aerial dominance” over Tehran. He said the military had taken out more than 120 missile launch platforms across central Iran—roughly a third of the country's arsenal—as well as two F-14 fighter jets used to target Israeli aircraft. Several missile batteries were also destroyed before they could fire on Israel.

Additionally, Israeli warplanes struck ten Quds Force command sites in Tehran. The Quds Force is a specialized unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responsible for overseas military and intelligence operations.

“These operations deliver a decisive and far-reaching blow to the Iranian threat,” said Defrin.