In the most recent episode of Israeli attacks on Iran, on Monday, 16 June 2025, Israeli forces struck the headquarters of the Iranian state broadcaster in Tehran. In a post on X, the Israeli Defence Minister immediately claimed responsibility, stating
‘The propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority of the Iranian regime was attacked by the IDF […]. We will defeat the Iranian dictator everywhere.’
This statement implies that the broadcasting studio was considered a legitimate target. While this might align with Clausewitz’s view that the enemy’s morale is a legitimate military target, it raises the question of whether such an interpretation is valid under modern international law. In short, it is not – at least not unless the studio is deemed to pose an imminent military threat or is intended for military use, or is directly inciting serious crimes under international law.
Read More “Is Propagandist Media Still Protected in War? – EJIL: Talk!” »
