In a highly unusual incident early Wednesday morning, Iran's state-run television network IRIB (specifically the IRINN news channel) abruptly aired a 3D-style simulation of a massive nuclear explosion over a densely populated city center.
The clip, which appeared without warning around 3:11 a.m. Tehran time, showed a normal urban skyline (with an Iranian flag visible) suddenly engulfed by a blinding flash, followed by a towering fiery mushroom cloud rising and spreading over buildings. The simulation lasted roughly 10–20 seconds before cutting back to the studio, where the news anchor continued as if nothing had happened. The segment was reportedly discussing economic issues such as inflation at the time. No official explanation has been provided by IRIB or Iranian authorities. The broadcast has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Iranians and opposition figures describing it as psychological warfare or a veiled threat amid the country's ongoing tensions with Israel, the United States, and economic difficulties following recent regional strikes.
