Journalist Sahar Emami Keeps Broadcasting Despite Office Hit in Israeli Strikes

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iranian news presenter Sahar Emami suddenly became the center of attention during the Israeli airstrike that hit the headquarters of IIRINN (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) while she was live on air.

Reported by Al Jazeera, the incident took place on Monday night, June 16, 2025, when Israel attacked the IRIB headquarters located in District 3 of Tehran. The Israeli strike hit the media building where Emami worked. At that time, Emami was broadcasting news live, and the camera captured the moments of the explosion heard from behind the scenes. She briefly ran to safety, but returned to the screen just a few minutes later, calmly continuing the broadcast.

Following the attack, Emami firmly labeled Israel's actions as "aggression against the homeland" and truth, while condemning the attempt to silence Iran's national media. She said someone else will replace her and expose Israel's crimes to the world.

Her unwavering stance went viral on social media, prompting waves of praise from Iranian and international netizens. She was dubbed the 'lioness of Iranian media' and the "voice of national resistance."

While Emami's heroic act became viral on social media, many parties criticized Western media for ignoring her story. Internet users highlighted the double standards of international networks that often raise the issue of press freedom but remain silent when news presenters become victims during live broadcasts.

Profile of Sahar Emami

Born in Tehran in 1985, Emami pursued an education in agricultural engineering with a specialization in food science. However, life led her into the world of media. She began her career as a local presenter in 2008, and two years later joined IRINN as part of the political news team.

She is widely known for her calm demeanor and straightforward language, as the face of various national news programs such as Back Home, Morning with the News, and Newsstand 13.

Journalist Muna Hawwa stated that Emami is a tough journalist, but did not receive the recognition she deserved as a courageous woman. According to Hawwa, Emami continued her work steadfastly despite facing a bomb attack from occupying forces directly in the editorial room in Tehran.

Hawwa also added that the image of a black-veiled woman often does not fit the narrative of heroism in the common liberation narrative. However, women like her can rise like phoenixes, completing their missions with extraordinary courage and pride.

The Israeli media, Ynetnews, also highlighted Emami's courage. The press referred to Emami as a symbol of resilience after she continued the live broadcast even though the Israeli airstrikes hit the national broadcasting station in Iran on Monday.

According to Ynetnews, her courage and steadfastness garnered widespread praise online. Posts on social media placed her photo alongside influential figures such as former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

One striking post showed Emami's photo next to Nasrallah, accompanied by the caption: "You cannot destroy an idea by killing."

The Vice President of Iran for Women and Family Affairs, Zahra Bahramzadeh Azar, openly praised Emami on the social platform X. She described Emami as a symbol of courage for Iranian women and stated that Emami had become "the voice of all Iranian citizens facing aggression."

Ida Rosdalina also contributed to the writing of this article

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