[Anchor]
As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, even broadcasting stations are becoming targets. The Iranian state broadcaster was bombed, forcing the anchor to evacuate and interrupting the live broadcast. In a critical move, Iran has sent a signal for a ceasefire. This is correspondent Lee Hwajin reporting from Paris.
[Report]
The evening live broadcast of Iranian state broadcaster IRIB is underway. While a female anchor denounces Israeli military operations, a sudden explosion is heard.
[Sahar Emami/Iranian State TV Anchor: “The sound we just heard is the sound of an attack on our homeland, an attack on truth and justice.”]
The anchor is urgently evacuated, and the studio fills with gray smoke. On the afternoon of the 16th local time, the Israeli military twice air raided Iran’s IRIB headquarters, halting the broadcasting transmission. Although the broadcast resumed through a backup studio, the main building suffered a significant fire due to the bombing.
The Israeli military issued a statement after the attack, claiming that they had precisely targeted a communications center used by the Iranian military for military purposes, and accused Iran of disguising the building’s use as civilian. One hour prior to the air raid, the Israeli military warned local residents through social media about the impending operation targeting military facilities in the area.
The South Korean embassy in Iran is located nearby. As a result, the embassy decided to suspend consular services until further notice.
The Israeli military further announced that its fighter jets flying over Tehran disabled two Iranian fighter jets located at Tehran airport.
[Benjamin Netanyahu/Israeli Prime Minister: “In reality, what Israel is doing is ending this attack, and it is something we must do to oppose the forces of evil.”]
Facing increased pressure from Israel, Iran quickly expressed its willingness for a ceasefire. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran sent an urgent signal through a third-party Arab country, indicating a desire for mutual cessation of attacks and the resumption of nuclear negotiations with Israel and the United States.
However, as Israel currently holds the advantage in the situation, the likelihood of the armed conflict ceasing immediately is deemed low.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has raised the travel warning for Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip to the highest level and issued a travel ban.
Twenty-three South Korean expats residing in Israel have safely relocated to Jordan.
This has been Lee Hwajin from KBS News in Paris.
Video Editing: Kim Shinhyung/Graphics: Kang Minsu/Data Research: Kim Nayoung
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