FM brands Israeli airstrike on state Iranian TV building "cowardly"

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned an Israeli airstrike that targeted the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster, describing it as a “cowardly” attack that reflects what he called the Israeli regime’s frustration and strategic failure.

The airstrike, carried out on June 16 evening, hit a facility belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), killing a staff member and injuring several others, including journalists, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

The incident marked a significant escalation in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

Speaking in a televised interview on June 17 morning, Araghchi denounced the strike as a desperate move, asserting that targeting civilian infrastructure was a sign of Israel’s failure on the battlefield.

“This cowardly attack on a civilian site only proves the Zionist regime’s growing sense of defeat,” Araghchi said. “Assassinating our commanders or striking civilian targets will not force the Iranian people to yield.”

He went on to stress that Iran’s position remained unchanged despite military pressure and economic sanctions, pointing to the swift replacement of senior commanders and the armed forces’ readiness as evidence of resilience.

Since June 13, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli targets in response to what Tehran describes as unprovoked Israeli aggression. 

According to Iranian officials, Israeli strikes have also hit nuclear facilities and residential areas, resulting in the deaths of numerous civilians, including 45 women and children, as well as high-ranking military and scientific figures.

Araghchi warned that military pressure would not force Tehran into concessions. “The enemy must understand that the Islamic Republic will not submit to force,” he said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev