Fact Check: "Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes as of June 17, 2025."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Israel conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, which led to a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations. Reports indicate that Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel. According to a recent report from Reuters, Iran launched "hundreds of missiles and drones" in response to Israeli attacks. The New York Times also confirmed that Iran had launched "hundreds of missiles and drones" at Israel during this period, specifically mentioning that 17 missile impact sites were identified across the country following these retaliatory strikes (source-3).
Additionally, the Associated Press reported that Iran retaliated by launching "more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones" at Israel (source-4). This aligns with the claim that Iran has launched a significant number of missiles and drones against Israel.
Analysis
The claim that Iran has launched "approximately 400 missiles and hundreds of drones" at Israel is supported by multiple credible sources. The figure of over 370 missiles reported by the Associated Press is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests that the claim is within a reasonable range of accuracy, considering the potential for rounding in public statements. Furthermore, the characterization of the strikes as "hundreds of drones" is corroborated by various reports, including those from Reuters and the New York Times, which describe the scale of Iran's retaliatory actions as extensive.
However, the exact number of missiles and drones may vary slightly depending on the source, and the term "approximately" allows for some flexibility in interpretation. The reliability of the sources reporting on these events is generally high, as they include established news organizations and expert analyses. Reports from the Brookings Institution and NPR also provide context regarding the ongoing conflict and the implications of these military actions (source-1, source-6).
Despite the strong evidence supporting the claim, it is essential to note that the situation is fluid, and numbers may change as new information becomes available. Therefore, while the claim is largely accurate, it should be understood within the context of ongoing military engagements.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes as of June 17, 2025" is partially true. While multiple sources confirm that Iran has indeed launched a significant number of missiles and drones, the exact figures may vary slightly. The claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of "approximately," which is supported by credible reports indicating that Iran's retaliatory actions involved over 370 missiles and hundreds of drones.
Sources
- Israel strikes Iran. What happens next?
- Iran's arsenal of missiles and Israel's defence system
- Israel Bombards Tehran, Setting Oil Facilities Ablaze
- Israeli strikes damage Iran's underground nuclear site
- June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran
- Israel attacks Iran's nuclear and missile sites, prompting retaliation
