The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Iran’s national broadcaster, came under direct attack in what Israeli military officials described as retaliation for strikes on Israeli media infrastructure. The assault on IRIB marks a troubling escalation in the targeting of civilian facilities by both sides.
On Monday, Iranian missiles struck Israel’s Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa, destroying homes and causing civilian casualties as the conflict between the two nations entered its fourth consecutive day. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on buildings housing Iranian state-owned media organizations in Tehran, including the IRIB television facility—hit during a live broadcast.
The intensifying confrontation has prompted urgent diplomatic efforts by Gulf nations and raised alarm among global leaders gathered at the G7 Summit over the risk of a wider regional war.
Tehran has reached out to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, urging these Gulf intermediaries to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to use his influence on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In exchange, Iran has signaled openness to renewed flexibility in nuclear negotiations. Gulf leaders and their top diplomats are reportedly engaged in round-the-clock communication with Tehran, Washington, and other capitals in an effort to contain what is now considered the most serious direct confrontation between the two longstanding rivals in West Asia.
The diplomatic push comes amid ongoing missile and drone strikes targeting each other’s military, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday did not rule out a potential strike on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that such an action could “end the conflict.” However, according to a U.S. official, President Trump has reportedly rejected Israeli plans to assassinate the Iranian leader.
The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents and personnel in target areas of Tehran before conducting the strikes. Similar warnings were also issued within Israel.
Speaking at the G7 Summit in Canada, President Trump urged Iran to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program to help resolve the crisis. “They should talk, and they should talk immediately before it’s too late,” Trump said. While the United States has not provided direct military support to Israel so far, the president has indicated that future involvement remains a possibility.
Despite mounting destruction and civilian casualties, there are currently no clear signs of de-escalation. Iran has expressed a willingness to return to nuclear negotiations if Israeli attacks cease, but both nations appear entrenched in their positions.
As a security precaution, the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority has announced a complete closure of airspace over major cities, while Iran has imposed similar restrictions on civilian flights over Tehran and other urban centers. Both militaries have issued evacuation advisories to civilians in high-risk zones, though their effectiveness in preventing casualties remains uncertain.