Fact Check: "Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes as of June 17, 2025."
What We Know
As of June 17, 2025, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. Reports indicate that Iran has retaliated with a substantial number of missile and drone attacks aimed at Israel. According to Reuters, Iran launched "hundreds of missiles and drones" in response to Israeli strikes. Additionally, the New York Times reported that Israeli officials identified 17 missile impact sites across Israel resulting from these Iranian retaliatory strikes.
The Israeli military has also confirmed that Iran fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israeli territory, alongside numerous drone attacks, although the total number of missiles and drones launched by Iran is reported to be less than the claim of 400 missiles and hundreds of drones. The NPR report corroborates that Iran's retaliatory actions followed a major Israeli attack, which included over 200 airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Analysis
The claim that Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel is partially true. While there is substantial evidence that Iran has retaliated with a significant number of missile and drone strikes, the exact figures cited in the claim may be exaggerated. Reports from credible sources like the New York Times and Reuters indicate that while Iran did launch a large number of attacks, the total number of missiles specifically reported was around 200, with additional drone strikes, but not reaching the claimed 400 missiles.
The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. However, the chaotic nature of military engagements can lead to discrepancies in reported figures, especially in the immediate aftermath of such events. The numbers can vary based on the source, and the fog of war often complicates accurate reporting.
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel" is partially true. While there is evidence of a significant Iranian retaliatory response involving hundreds of missiles and drones, the specific figure of 400 missiles appears to be an overestimate based on current reports. The actual number of missiles launched is closer to 200, with additional drone attacks, which still indicates a serious escalation in hostilities between the two nations.
Sources
- Israel strikes Iran. What happens next?
- Iran's arsenal of missiles and Israel's defence system
- Israel Bombards Tehran, Setting Oil Facilities Ablaze
- Israel attacks Iran's nuclear and missile sites, prompting retaliation ...
- Israel warns 300000 people in Tehran to evacuate
- June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran
- Iran launches missiles at Israel, and some hit Tel Aviv, as Israel ...
- L’Iran dévoile une « ville de missiles » souterraine
