Deadly Strikes on Media: The Escalating Conflict Between Israel and Iran

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a grim turn with the targeted attack on Iran’s State broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). On June 16, 2025, at least two journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike that hit the IRIB headquarters in Tehran. Nima Rajabpour, the editor-in-chief of Iran's state TV news channel Khabar, and Masoumeh Azimi, a secretary at the IRIB, were among the casualties. The attack, which came shortly after an evacuation warning was issued by the Israeli military, has sparked international outrage and raised serious concerns about media freedom and safety during geopolitical conflicts.

The bombing occurred as news anchor Sahar Emami was speaking live on air. The broadcast was abruptly interrupted as the presenter hurried off camera, leaving viewers in shock. The Israeli military confirmed responsibility for the attack, claiming that the building was used by the Iranian Armed Forces under the guise of civilian activity. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the “Iranian regime’s propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was attacked by the IDF after a widespread evacuation of the area’s residents.”

The attack on the IRIB headquarters is part of a broader escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Since June 13, 2025, waves of missiles have struck cities in both countries, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries. The unprecedented attack on the IRIB’s facilities came on the fourth day of the conflict, highlighting the increasing intensity and brutality of the hostilities.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly condemned the targeted attack on Iran’s State broadcaster and mourned the loss of the two journalists. The IFJ reminded all parties that, under international law, journalists are civilians, and deliberate attacks against them constitute war crimes. The Federation called on journalists and media organizations covering the conflict to adhere to professional principles, emphasizing the importance of respect for the facts, verification of sources, and avoiding the spread of hatred or prejudice.

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has significant implications for global media freedom and safety. The heightened tensions and ongoing hostilities create a dangerous environment for journalists, who are often caught in the crossfire or targeted due to their presence in conflict zones. The use of missiles and drones by both sides increases the danger for journalists, as they may be caught in the line of fire or targeted by military operations.

Moreover, the conflict has led to restrictions on media access and freedom of movement. Governments and military authorities may impose restrictions on journalists' ability to report from certain areas, citing security concerns. This limits the ability of journalists to provide accurate and unbiased coverage of the conflict, as they may be prevented from accessing key locations or interviewing sources.

The targeting of media facilities in geopolitical conflicts can have significant long-term implications for international relations and media practices. It can disrupt the flow of information and the ability of the public to access accurate and unbiased news. For instance, during the Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025, the escalation of direct strikes led to a rapid repricing of risk, a shift into defensive sectors, and an eventual stabilization as policymakers and investors recalibrated expectations. This highlights how geopolitical shocks can disrupt the normal functioning of media outlets, leading to misinformation and a lack of transparency.

Furthermore, the targeting of media facilities can exacerbate tensions between nations and lead to retaliatory actions. As seen in the conflict, Iran launched retaliatory airstrikes at Israel, which included targeting civilian areas and infrastructure. This escalation can further strain diplomatic relations and make it more difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution. For example, the G7 leaders called for de-escalation but reaffirmed that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear bomb, indicating the complex nature of international relations during such conflicts.

The economic implications of the conflict are also significant. The surge in oil prices and the rally in safe-haven assets like gold and the U.S. dollar during the conflict highlight the economic disruption caused by geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 was up nearly 1% in midday trading on Monday, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.4%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up just under 1%, indicating a quick rebound from the initial shock. However, the long-term effects of such disruptions can be more profound, affecting trade, investment, and economic growth.

In conclusion, the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran poses significant challenges to global media freedom and safety. The heightened tensions and ongoing hostilities create a dangerous environment for journalists, who are at risk of being injured or killed while reporting from the frontlines. The use of propaganda and misinformation by both sides can also create a hostile environment for journalists, who may be targeted or harassed for their coverage of the conflict. The targeting of media facilities in geopolitical conflicts can have far-reaching implications for international relations and media practices, disrupting the flow of information, exacerbating tensions, undermining the principles of a free press, and having economic consequences. Therefore, it is crucial for nations to respect the role of media in providing accurate and unbiased information and to avoid targeting media facilities during conflicts.