Fact Check: "Iran reported that 78 people were killed on the first day of the Israeli assault, with additional casualties on the second day."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, a series of military strikes by Israel targeted Iran, which included attacks on nuclear facilities and military sites. Following these strikes, Iran's U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, reported that 78 people were killed and over 320 were injured as a result of the attacks on the first day (NPR). This claim was echoed by various news outlets, including the Associated Press, which confirmed the death toll and noted that casualties continued to rise with further missile exchanges on subsequent days (AP News).
Reports indicate that the strikes led to significant civilian casualties, with additional injuries reported on the second day of conflict, including children among those affected (MSN).
Analysis
The claim that Iran reported 78 fatalities on the first day of the Israeli assault is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The information comes directly from Iran's U.N. ambassador, a position that typically provides official statements on behalf of the Iranian government. While state-controlled media can sometimes be biased, the consistency of this report across various independent news outlets lends it credibility.
The Associated Press and NPR, both reputable news organizations, reported the same figures, indicating a high level of agreement among sources (NPR, AP News). Furthermore, the context of the conflict—ongoing military operations and the historical tensions between Israel and Iran—supports the likelihood of such casualties occurring during intense military engagements.
However, it is essential to note that casualty figures in conflict zones can be difficult to verify independently due to the chaotic nature of warfare and potential propaganda from involved parties. Nonetheless, the corroboration from multiple sources enhances the reliability of the reported numbers.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Iran reported 78 people were killed on the first day of the Israeli assault, with additional casualties on the second day, is accurate. This information is supported by statements from Iranian officials and corroborated by multiple reputable news sources, indicating a significant level of agreement regarding the reported casualties.
Sources
- 9 Iranian nuclear scientists killed in Israel's strikes on Iran
- Israel says attacks on Iran are nothing compared with what ...
- The Latest: Iran fires more missiles at Israel after Israeli military ...
- Death toll grows as Israel and Iran trade attacks for third day
- Israel and Iran trade more strikes on third day of fighting
- Multiples explosions en Iran il y a une heure - JForum
- Israel and Iran trade devastating strikes as Trump threatens ... - MSN
- Iran: une cyberattaque de grande ampleur paralyse les banques