Iran International Becomes First Persian Channel To Film Inside Iron Dome

A screen grab from Iran International’s report from inside a base of Israel’s Iron Dome defense system
A screen grab from Iran International’s report from inside a base of Israel’s Iron Dome defense system

The Israeli military authorized Iran International’s team to film and report at an Iron Dome base, making it the first Persian-language channel inside the defense system.

The online outlet for the Israeli Yedioth Ahronot newspaper, Ynet, published an article on Saturday, reporting that the Israeli Defense Forces had allowed Iran International to visit the site.

Against the background of the mutual threats between Israel and Iran, and attempts to restore the nuclear agreement, the IDF for the first time authorized the cameras of a channel broadcasting in Persian to enter an Iron Dome base, Ynet said, adding that “The channel's reporter even spoke in Hebrew with fighters and commanders at the base.”

Mashregh News, a website in Tehran affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported on this development, harshly attacking Iran International for visiting an Israeli military installation, while the country is threatening Iran with an attack. 

The report by the channel’s correspondent Babak Es’haghi (Babak Itzhaki) was broadcast from inside a base near the Gaza border this week. 

Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells. 

The Iron Dome missile defense system successfully intercepted 97 percent of incoming rockets launched by the Iran-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad group in their latest bout of violence in August. 

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said the country is leading “an intensive campaign” meant to prevent the signing of “a dangerous” nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.