Fact Check: An Israeli attack on the IRIB building occurred during a live broadcast, causing dust and debris to fill the studio as a presenter was speaking on October 20, 2023.

Fact Check: Israeli Attack on IRIB Building During Live Broadcast

What We Know

On October 20, 2023, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Iranian state television building, known as IRIB, during a live broadcast. The attack occurred while presenter Sahar Emami was on air, leading to chaos in the studio as dust and debris filled the space. Witnesses reported that the broadcast abruptly switched to pre-recorded programming after the explosion, and Emami was seen rushing off-camera amidst cries of "Allahu akbar" from the studio crew (Washington Post, The Guardian).

Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the attack, stating it was aimed at the "Iranian regime’s propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority" and emphasized that the military had issued evacuation warnings for the area prior to the strike, affecting approximately 330,000 residents in central Tehran (New York Times, BBC). The Iranian government condemned the strike as a "wicked act" and a "war crime," calling for international accountability (The Guardian, Yahoo News).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that an Israeli attack on the IRIB building occurred during a live broadcast is robust. Multiple reputable news sources, including the Washington Post and The Guardian, reported the incident with consistent details about the timing and circumstances of the attack. The immediate reactions from both the Israeli government and Iranian officials further corroborate the event's significance and the context of ongoing military tensions between the two nations.

The sources used in this fact-check are credible and well-established, providing a comprehensive view of the incident. The Washington Post and The Guardian are known for their journalistic integrity and thorough reporting, while the New York Times and BBC also maintain high standards in news coverage. The consistency across these reports enhances their reliability.

However, it is important to note that the framing of the event can vary depending on the source. For instance, Iranian state media may emphasize the attack's implications as a violation of international law, while Israeli sources might focus on the military justification for the strike. This potential bias should be considered when interpreting the reports.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that an Israeli attack on the IRIB building occurred during a live broadcast on October 20, 2023, is supported by multiple credible sources. The details of the incident, including the timing, the immediate reactions from both Israeli and Iranian officials, and the chaotic scenes in the studio, confirm the accuracy of the claim.

Sources

1. Israel Strikes Iran State TV After Telling People to Evacuate
2. Israeli strike on Iranian state TV fills studio with dust and debris during live broadcast
3. Israeli strike on Iranian state TV fills studio with dust and debris during live broadcast
4. Israel attack on Iranian state broadcaster shown live on TV
5. Israel bombs Iran's state TV after threatening it would 'target media'
6. Debris falls in Iranian TV studio during live broadcast as Israel strikes
7. Israeli strike on Iranian state TV fills studio with dust, debris during live broadcast
8. Israel strikes Iranian state TV in new attack on Tehran