Iranian Anchor Sahar Emami Defies Israeli Airstrike, Returns to Air
Sahar Emami, a prominent Iranian news anchor for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), became a symbol of resilience when an Israeli airstrike targeted IRIB’s headquarters in Tehran during her live broadcast on the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN). The attack, which caused explosions and filled the studio with smoke and debris, forced Emami to briefly flee as the broadcast abruptly cut to pre-recorded content. Remarkably, within minutes, she returned to air from another studio, delivering a powerful message: “The voice of reality will not be silenced.”
Emami, 40, a familiar face on programs like Newsstand and Morning with the News, was reporting on regional developments when the strike hit. A viral moment captured her pointing defiantly while condemning Israel just before the explosion. Despite the chaos, she resumed broadcasting, denouncing the attack as an assault on “freedom of speech” and “truth.” Her words resonated widely, with Iranian state media dubbing her the “Iranian lioness.”
The airstrike killed three IRIB staff members, including journalists Masoumeh Azimi and Nima Rajabpour, and injured several others. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed responsibility, labeling IRIB a “propaganda mouthpiece” and stating an evacuation warning was issued prior. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike as a “war crime” targeting media, a sentiment echoed by Hezbollah and other allies.
Emami, born in Tehran in 1985 and a graduate in Agricultural Engineering, joined IRINN in 2010 after starting her career at a local channel. Her composure under pressure earned praise from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who called her a “beacon of courage.” A mural honoring her was unveiled in Tehran’s Vali-e Asr Square, featuring a verse from Persian poet Ferdowsi celebrating women’s valor.
Social media, particularly on X, erupted with support, though some users criticized Western media for allegedly downplaying the incident. A viral video falsely claimed Emami said, “Allah will protect us”; she actually described the strike as “aggression against the homeland.” Her defiance has cemented her as a national icon amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions.