Politics
WATCH: Iranian News Studio Hit By Missile During Live Broadcast
Israeli Air Force strikes in Iran hit the studio of a state-run television station right as broadcasters were covering the expanding military operation in a dramatic scene captured on live TV.
An anchor with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran was discussing the weekend operation by Israel when the background of its studio disintegrated in real time, forcing the female newscaster to flee while screaming “Allahu Akbar,” the traditional Islamic religious declaration.
WATCH:
The explosion was just one of dozens across Iran that began on Friday after Israel disrupted U.S. peace negotiations by destroying key infrastructure and leadership with the Iranians.
Steve Witkoff, the president’s envoy to the Middle East, has said he is committed to returning to peace discussions, a message underscored by President Trump on Truth Social shortly after the first bombs landed.
“The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight,” Trump wrote, reiterating an earlier statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stressed that Israel carried out unilateral action against Iran. The secretary also stressed that the U.S. will respond only if directly attacked by Iran or its proxies, which Trump’s post also reiterated.
“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” he said. “However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!”
“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP!” the president wrote. “There is peace, at least for now, because of my intervention, and it will stay that way! Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!” Trump went on to say. “Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”
The Israeli Defense Forces have stressed that current operations against Iran will last for “weeks, not days,” according to a report from CNN. The Trump Administration has “not critiqued” Israel’s strategy in closed-door meetings and is alright with the timetable, an unnamed Israeli official told the outlet.
