Iran State Media Broadcasts Footage Resembling Nuclear Explosion, Later Clarifies as Editing Error

(CNA, Tehran, 12th – comprehensive international report) Iran’s Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) aired a news segment this morning showing a simulated nuclear explosion over a city. IRIB later clarified that the footage was the result of an internal editing error.

According to CNN, the 3D animation depicted a bright flash in the sky above an unidentified city, followed by a massive mushroom cloud and spreading smoke. The footage sparked tension within Iran, and online rumors circulated that the broadcaster may have been hacked.

IRIB later clarified, 'The video showing a nuclear explosion was due to an editing error.' An IRIB anchor emphasized on-air that the broadcaster had not been hacked.

Another foreign media outlet, The Week, earlier reported on the incident, claiming 'hostile forces' had infiltrated the broadcaster’s software system. Speculation arose that hackers could be linked to Iranian opposition groups in exile, or possibly to a country in direct conflict with Iran. Some also speculated the footage was intended to show the Iranian public an extreme scenario resulting from Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. (Translation: Hung Chi-yuan) 1150612

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