Sky News Australia host Rita Panahi drew significant attention for her sharp remarks in Farsi directed at Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following news of his death in an airstrike campaign.
In a clip circulating on social media, Panahi shouted curses in Farsi, ending with a call to "go to hell." The on-screen caption read: “RITA’S TAKE ON STRIKES ON IRAN.”
Opening her commentary, she stated this would be the “shortest editorial” she has ever delivered, while noting that after 47 years of "theocratic regime," Iran is at a moment of great change. Panahi also expressed support for President Trump's military decision.
Panahi was born in the U.S. to an Iranian family and grew up in Tehran before migrating to Australia in 1984. She has repeatedly criticized the Iranian government, particularly regarding women's rights.
The video garnered over 100,000 views in just a few hours. It remains unclear whether the remarks were delivered live or pre-recorded. Sky News Australia has not yet issued an official comment.
The military operation that killed Khamenei is described as a large-scale coordinated attack between the U.S. and Israel, targeting a complex in Tehran along with several other high-ranking officials.
Panahi's reaction marks one of her most direct and emotional statements regarding Iranian politics on television.
