In a dramatic military move, Israel claims to have destroyed Tehran’s infamous “destruction clock”—a symbol of Iran’s vow to see Israel gone by 2040—intensifying an already dangerous battle of narratives in the shadow of armed conflict.
At a Glance
- Israel says it destroyed Iran’s “doomsday clock” in Tehran’s Palestine Square, which counted down to Israel’s supposed destruction in 2040
- The clock, installed in 2017, served as a powerful propaganda symbol in Iran’s capital
- Israel’s defense minister said the strike was part of larger operations targeting regime assets in Tehran
- Iranian media disputes the claim, releasing video showing the clock allegedly still intact
- The episode highlights the growing propaganda war running parallel to military confrontations
Targeting a Symbol of Hatred
According to Insider Paper, Israeli forces targeted and reportedly destroyed Iran’s so-called “destruction clock”—a prominent countdown installed in Palestine Square marking the regime’s declared goal to eliminate Israel by 2040.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated: “Under the direction of Prime Minister Netanyahu and myself, the IDF is striking regime targets and centers of repression in central Tehran with unprecedented force.”
Watch a report: Israel Strikes Tehran’s Destruction Clock.
Disputed Claims and Wider Strikes
The strike on the clock coincided with broader attacks on Iranian government and security sites. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli forces also targeted Basij militia headquarters and Evin Prison, both key pillars of Iran’s internal repression apparatus.
Iran quickly responded through state-aligned media. Mehr News released a video purportedly showing the clock still functioning, though independent verification is lacking.
Propaganda and Escalation
The “clock strike” underscores how both sides are waging a fierce battle not only on the battlefield, but through the symbols and stories they project to the world. As The Economic Times notes, Israel targeted the clock specifically because of its symbolism—a state-sponsored threat of annihilation.
Meanwhile, as the BBC reports, President Donald Trump has called for a ceasefire amid escalating military exchanges, though diplomatic talks remain stalled.
The destruction—or survival—of the “doomsday clock” has become a central flashpoint in the wider conflict, as both nations seek to control the narrative of who holds the upper hand. The world watches as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise—and the symbolic clock, whether ticking or not, reminds all that the stakes remain dangerously high.
