Iran accuses Israel of “war crime” in CCTV footage

Newly released CCTV footage aired by the Iranian state broadcaster IRIB on July 3rd has intensified scrutiny over missile strikes on civilian areas during last month’s 12-day war between Iran and Israel, The New Arab reported on July 4th.

The video, captured on June 15th, appears to show two missile attacks in Tehran’s Tajrish Square during the late afternoon rush hour. One strike reportedly hit a building associated with the Basij paramilitary, while a second exploded in the middle of a crowded intersection, sending vehicles and debris into the air.

IRIB described the scene as a “vivid footage of a war crime.” The clip quickly spread across social media, fuelling a debate about its authenticity. While some questioned whether AI tools may have altered the footage, others pointed to similarities with previously released videos and survivor testimonies.

The footage has reignited international concern over missile strikes on civilian areas, a contested feature of the brief but deadly conflict. Israeli authorities have consistently claimed their operations targeted strategic military infrastructure, including missile sites and air defence systems. Yet, the case of Tajrish Square has cast doubt on those statements.

Official Iranian figures claim 935 people died during the war, among them at least 38 children and 132 women. No official distinction between civilian and combatant casualties has been provided.

In a statement accompanying the footage, IRIB accused Western nations of enabling Israeli actions, claiming: “This video is yet another piece of evidence of a crime, for which Trump provides the cover fire, while Germany, France, and the UK pull the trigger.”

By July 4th, Israeli authorities had not responded to the video or the related accusations.

Iran has also carried out missile attacks on Israel, that have caused civilians to suffer wounds in residential areas, as Maghrebi via Al-Monitor reported on June 14th.

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org, Al-Monitor, IRIB