Iranian state television presenter Sahar Emami has become a symbol of defiance in her country following an Israeli attack on the state broadcaster’s headquarters on Monday. Facing the camera with a resolute gaze and her index finger raised, Emami remained on air even as explosions rocked the building.
“What you can see is the flagrant aggression of the Zionist regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian broadcaster,” she declared on air, with the sounds of blasts audible in the background. “What you just heard was the sound of an aggressor against the motherland, the sound of an aggressor against truth,” added Emami, known for her impactful interviews with government officials.
“This dust you see in the studio…” she began, her finger still raised, before being interrupted by the sound of another explosion. The journalist, clad in a black chador, then quickly moved from her seat and disappeared from view. The live broadcast captured the studio rapidly filling with smoke and dust before transmission was cut.
Emami, reported by Iranian media to be in her 40s and a familiar face to viewers after 15 years on state television, resumed the broadcast just minutes after the attack, maintaining a composed demeanor. The state broadcaster’s headquarters in Tehran, with its distinctive glass exterior, sustained significant damage from the fire that erupted as a result of the Israeli strike. Official media subsequently shared images of charred offices and unusable studios.
On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Israel’s “cowardice” in striking the state television building, an attack that the broadcaster claimed killed three people. “The attack against the Iranian broadcaster demonstrates the Israelis’ desperation,” Araghchi stated.
Local media outlets have lauded Emami’s courage. The conservative newspaper Farhikhtegan on Tuesday’s front page declared: “Female journalist’s resistance until the last moment sends a clear message.” The ultraconservative publication Kayhan added: “The courage of the lioness presenter surprised friends and foes.”
In honor of Emami, the government erected a banner in Tehran’s central Vali-Asr Square, featuring her image alongside a verse from the Persian poet Ferdowsi celebrating the courage of women “on the battlefield.” The state broadcaster has repeatedly aired the clip of Emami during Monday’s attacks, celebrating its presenter’s resilience.
In contrast, state TV also highlighted a reporter for the London-based Iran International TV, a channel critical of the Iranian government. Footage from a live broadcast showed the reporter in Israel rushing to a bomb shelter after warnings of incoming missiles from Iran.
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