Fact Check: Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz took credit for the attack on IRINN, stating it was a strike against the Iranian regime's propaganda authority.

Fact Check: Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz Took Credit for the Attack on IRINN

What We Know

On June 16, 2025, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) during a live broadcast, resulting in significant damage and chaos within the studio. The attack was confirmed by Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, who stated that it was aimed at "the Iranian regime's propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority" and emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would continue to strike against the Iranian regime wherever necessary (Washington Post). The strike occurred shortly after an evacuation warning was issued for the area, affecting approximately 330,000 residents in central Tehran (Forbes).

Analysis

The claim that Israel Katz took credit for the attack on IRINN is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Katz's statement, which was reported by major news outlets like the Washington Post and Forbes, explicitly attributes the attack to the IDF as part of a broader strategy against Iranian propaganda efforts. This assertion is further supported by reports from Reuters and NBC News, which detail the context of the airstrike within the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are well-established news organizations with a history of reporting on international affairs. However, it is important to note that the framing of the event can vary, with some outlets emphasizing the military aspect while others focus on the implications for press freedom and civilian safety. For instance, the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the strike, labeling it a "wicked act of war crime" and highlighting the risks to journalists in conflict zones (Washington Post). This perspective underscores the complexity of the situation, as it involves both military strategy and the protection of press freedoms.

Conclusion

The claim that Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz took credit for the attack on IRINN is True. Katz's statements, corroborated by multiple reputable sources, confirm that the strike was indeed framed as a targeted action against Iranian propaganda. The context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran adds layers of complexity to the situation, but the fundamental assertion regarding Katz's acknowledgment of the attack stands verified.

Fact Check: Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz took credit for the attack on IRINN, stating it was a strike against the Iranian regime's propaganda authority.