Watch: Israel strikes state-run Iranian TV during live broadcast

Smoke rises from the building of Iran's state-run television after an Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran. Picture: AP Photo

Israel struck Iran’s state-run television station during a live broadcast on Monday, forcing a reporter to run off camera following an explosion

Iran’s state-run news agency reported that state-run television abruptly stopped a live broadcast after an Israeli strike.

During the broadcast, an Iranian state television reporter said the studio was filling with dust after “the sound of aggression against the homeland”.

Suddenly, an explosion occurred, cutting the screen behind her as she hurried off camera. The broadcast quickly switched to pre-recorded programmes.

Iran said at least 224 people had been killed in the country since strikes began on Friday, while Israeli officials said 24 people had been killed and more than 500 injured.

The back-and-forth between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about all-out war between the rival nations.

The latest conflict kicked off on Friday, when Israel launched an attack on top Iranian military leaders and the country’s nuclear programme.

Iran retaliated by firing waves of missiles at Israel.

Meanwhile, the G7 leaders have called for de-escalation in the Middle East before Donald Trump left the global summit early as conflict intensifies between Israel and Iran.

Allies from the world’s major economies affirmed their “commitment to peace and stability” in a statement agreed shortly before the US president’s abrupt departure from a major global summit in Canada.

The White House said Mr Trump had left the G7 leaders’ conference after a group dinner on Monday because of “what’s going on in the Middle East,” without elaborating.

The US president said his reason for leaving the summit had “nothing to do with a ceasefire” between Israel and Iran.

In their statement, the leaders called for a “ceasefire in Gaza” and said they “stand ready to coordinate” to protect market stability in the face of rising oil prices amid spiralling hostilities between Israel and Iran.

It said: “We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

“In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel.

“We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians.

“Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror.

“We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.

“We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability.” 

In a post on X on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.” 

Mr Trump posted on Truth Social: “(Macron) has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a ceasefire. Much bigger than that.

He added: “Stay tuned!”

Earlier on Monday the president said Iran should have signed a deal that he proposed to them and also urged citizens to “immediately evacuate” Tehran, a city of up to 17 million people, without offering further details.