June 16, 2025 | Tel Aviv/Tehran (CBS/AP) —Israel launched a direct strike on Iran’s state television headquarters Monday and issued an urgent warning for residents to evacuate central Tehran, intensifying a fast-growing regional conflict now in its fourth day.The warning, issued by the Israeli military, targeted an estimated 330,000 people in the heart of Tehran—an area that houses the national police headquarters, three major hospitals (including one owned by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard), and the headquarters of state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN).The escalation follows a fresh Iranian missile barrage against Israel earlier in the day, which the Israeli military claims killed at least eight civilians.Explosion Interrupts Iranian State TV BroadcastRoughly an hour after the evacuation alert, an explosion rocked the IRINN studio mid-broadcast. Live footage showed anchor Sahar Emami abruptly leaving the screen as the backdrop shattered and smoke filled the studio. The channel quickly switched to prerecorded programming.Later, Emami reappeared from an alternate location, confirming casualties among the network’s personnel. Plumes of smoke and flames were visible above the city skyline. CBS News correspondent Seyed Bathaei, reporting from Tehran, confirmed widespread panic, with residents fleeing the capital and roads clogged by heavy traffic. Around 80–90% of local businesses reportedly shut down.Israel’s defense minister confirmed responsibility for the strike on state TV.Trump Reacts from G7 SummitFormer U.S. President Donald Trump, attending the G7 Summit in Canada, reacted to the developments via his Truth Social account, writing:> “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran! What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON.”Trump blamed Iranian leadership for failing to reach a nuclear agreement before the Israeli strikes began, claiming Iran is now “at the negotiating table.” While a draft G7 statement on Iran has been circulated, U.S. officials said Trump does not intend to sign it but remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.Ongoing Conflict Claims Hundreds of LivesIran announced the launch of more than 100 missiles in response to Israeli attacks on its nuclear and military facilities, which Tehran says have killed at least 224 people since Friday.In Tel Aviv, a missile reportedly struck near the American Consulate, causing minor damage but no injuries to U.S. personnel, according to U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee.Following the incident, the U.S. State Department elevated its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4—the highest warning—urging all American citizens to avoid travel to the region. Additionally, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the postponement of his upcoming address to Israel’s Knesset in Jerusalem.
