Fact Check: 627 people killed in Iran since Israel's attack on June 13.

Fact Check: "627 people killed in Iran since Israel's attack on June 13"

What We Know

On June 13, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant military operation against Iran, targeting various military and nuclear sites. This operation, codenamed Operation Rising Lion, was reportedly a response to Iran's alleged enrichment of weapon-grade uranium (source-1). Following the strikes, Iranian officials reported a high casualty toll. Specifically, on June 26, a senior official from Iran's Health Ministry announced that at least 627 people had been killed and 4,870 injured as a result of the airstrikes (source-5). The casualties were concentrated in major cities such as Tehran and Kermanshah, with other provinces also reporting significant numbers of fatalities (source-5).

Analysis

The claim that "627 people were killed in Iran since Israel's attack on June 13" is supported by multiple sources, including an official statement from Iran's Health Ministry. This figure is corroborated by reports from reputable news outlets, such as Haaretz, which also reported the same casualty count and noted the ongoing conflict's impact on civilians (source-7).

However, it is essential to consider the context in which these figures are reported. The Iranian government has a vested interest in portraying the impact of the conflict in a particular light, which may lead to inflated casualty figures. For instance, while the Health Ministry's report claims 627 deaths, other sources, including human rights organizations, suggest that the actual toll could be higher, with estimates exceeding 1,000 (source-7).

In evaluating the reliability of the sources, the Iranian Health Ministry's report is a primary source, but its credibility may be questioned due to potential bias. Conversely, independent news organizations like Al Jazeera and Haaretz provide additional context and corroboration, enhancing the overall reliability of the reported figures.

Conclusion

The claim that "627 people were killed in Iran since Israel's attack on June 13" is Partially True. While the figure is supported by official reports and corroborated by credible news sources, the potential for bias in the reporting from Iranian officials and the existence of higher estimates from independent observers suggest that the true casualty count may vary. Therefore, while the number of 627 is accurate according to the Iranian Health Ministry, it should be viewed within the broader context of the ongoing conflict and the complexities of casualty reporting.