Iranian news anchor returns to studio after Israeli attack on broadcast centre

WEB DESK: Iranian news anchor Sahar Emami made a defiant return to airwaves Tuesday, just 24 hours after an Israeli missile strike targetted the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster during her live news program.

The 40-year-old presenter appeared composed as she resumed broadcasting, declaring: “I fear none but Allah.” Emami condemned the attack on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters as “an assault on truth itself.”

“The true targets were not just our studios, but the voices of all the martyred men, women and children of Iran,” she said in her emotional return broadcast.

Monday’s strike marked a rare direct attack on Iranian state media infrastructure, temporarily disrupting broadcasts as explosions rocked the studio. Footage showed Emami continuing her broadcast amid smoke and debris before being forced to evacuate.

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Iranian media reported at least one female staffer killed and several injured in the attack. By Tuesday, broadcasts had resumed from a backup studio, with Emami’s return being hailed as an act of national resilience.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised Emami, calling her “the voice of Iran” in a social media post. The anchor also received commendation from Zahra Bahramzadeh Azar, Iran’s Vice President for Women and Family Affairs.

A mother of two, Emami, is an agricultural engineering graduate who transitioned to journalism in 2010, has become one of IRIB’s most recognisable faces through programs like “Newsstand” and “Morning with the News.” Her calm demeanor during Monday’s attack has made her a social media sensation, with clips of the incident going viral globally.

The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, marking the fifth high-profile attack on Iranian targets in as many days. Analysts suggest the broadcaster attack represents a significant escalation in the conflict, directly targeting Iran’s state media apparatus.

Web Desk