Fact Check: Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel

Fact Check: "Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel"

What We Know

The claim that "Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel" is based on recent military actions following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. On June 12, 2025, Israel conducted significant airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian military leaders and scientists (AP News). In response, Iran launched what it termed "Operation Severe Punishment," during which it reportedly fired over 100 drones and hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel (Washington Post, NPR).

Reports indicate that explosions were witnessed in various Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and that the Israeli military activated its Iron Dome defense system to intercept these projectiles (BBC, CBS News). Casualties were reported on both sides, with at least three fatalities in Israel attributed to the Iranian missile strikes (NPR).

Analysis

The assertion that Iran retaliated with "hundreds of missiles and drones" is partially accurate. While it is confirmed that Iran launched a significant number of missiles—over 100 drones and numerous ballistic missiles—specific figures regarding the total number of missiles fired vary across sources. For instance, while some reports mention "hundreds" of missiles, others specify over 100 drones and a substantial number of ballistic missiles without providing an exact count (Washington Post, NPR).

The credibility of the sources reporting these events is generally high, as they include established news organizations like the Associated Press and the BBC, which have a track record of covering international conflicts. However, the situation is fluid, and the numbers reported can change as new information becomes available. The Iranian state media may also present a biased perspective, emphasizing their military capabilities and the scale of their retaliation (AP News, Washington Post).

Furthermore, the context of the claim is crucial. The escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran has been ongoing, and the specific events leading to this retaliation were significant, including the killing of high-ranking Iranian officials (NPR). This context adds weight to the claim but also necessitates careful consideration of the language used to describe the scale of the retaliation.

Conclusion

The claim that "Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the scale of the Iranian response in terms of drone and missile launches, the exact number of missiles fired is not definitively confirmed as "hundreds." The situation remains dynamic, and further verification of the total number of projectiles involved may be necessary as more information is released.

Fact Check: Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel