Iran Claims 12 Journalists Killed in Israeli Strikes During Recent Conflict

TEHRAN – July 11: Iran announced on Thursday that at least 12 journalists and media personnel were killed in Israeli airstrikes during the two countries’ recent 12-day conflict, according to reports by state news agency IRNA.

The figures were released by the media division of the Basij paramilitary forces, an arm of Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Basij claimed that Israeli forces deliberately targeted media infrastructure in an attempt to “silence the voice of truth” and suppress pro-Iranian resistance media outlets.

The report stated that the death toll among media workers rose to 12 after the identification of two additional victims, whose names have not yet been publicly released.

The conflict, which erupted on June 13 following a surprise Israeli strike, led to widespread destruction in Iran, including strikes on military sites, nuclear facilities, residential areas, and media installations, notably the state broadcasting center in northern Tehran.

According to Iranian officials, the war killed over 1,060 people, including senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of civilians. Iranian authorities have accused Israel of war crimes, pointing to attacks on non-military targets.

In response to the Israeli campaign, Iran launched a wave of retaliatory drone and missile strikes, reportedly killing at least 28 people inside Israel.

The war ended after 12 days of intense fighting, but both countries continue to trade accusations amid heightened regional tensions. The international community has expressed concerns about the targeting of media workers and the growing number of civilian casualties.

The United Nations and various international journalist advocacy groups are expected to release their own independent assessments of the conflict’s toll on press freedom and human rights in the coming weeks.