Fact Check: Iranian media reported that nearly 80 civilians were killed and more than 300 were wounded in the Israeli air strikes targeting nuclear scientists.

Fact Check: "Iranian media reported that nearly 80 civilians were killed and more than 300 were wounded in the Israeli air strikes targeting nuclear scientists."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that Israeli air strikes in Iran resulted in significant civilian casualties. According to Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, the strikes killed 78 people and injured over 320, with the majority of the victims being civilians (source-3). Iranian state media further specified that nearly 80 civilians were killed and more than 300 were wounded, particularly highlighting the impact on residential areas and the homes of nuclear scientists (source-7, source-8). The strikes were part of a broader military engagement between Israel and Iran, which has escalated tensions in the region (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that nearly 80 civilians were killed and more than 300 were wounded is supported by multiple credible sources. The Iranian ambassador's statement to the U.N. aligns with reports from various news outlets, including the Associated Press and The New York Times, which corroborate the casualty figures and emphasize that the majority of victims were civilians (source-3, source-2).

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a history of reporting on international conflicts. However, it is important to note that Iranian state media may have a bias in framing the narrative, emphasizing civilian casualties to garner sympathy and international support against Israel. Nevertheless, the consistency of the casualty figures across multiple independent reports lends credibility to the claim.

Furthermore, the context of the strikes—targeting military sites, nuclear facilities, and the homes of military leaders—suggests that civilian areas were inadvertently affected, which is a common occurrence in modern warfare (source-5). The reports of civilian casualties are corroborated by images and accounts from the ground, showing destruction in residential neighborhoods (source-6).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that Iranian media reported nearly 80 civilians killed and more than 300 wounded in Israeli air strikes targeting nuclear scientists is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The casualty figures have been consistently reported across various news outlets, and the context of the strikes supports the assertion that civilian areas were impacted.

Sources

1. Iran strikes back at Israel with missiles over Jerusalem, Tel ...
2. What to Know About Israel's Strikes and Iran's Retaliation
3. Iran hits Israel with a second wave of missiles | AP News
4. Iran missiles cause multiple casualties in Israel as Israeli ...
5. Updates: Iran hits Israel with air strikes after nuclear site attacks
6. Iran's state TV says 'heavy and destructive' attacks against Israel ...
7. Iran strikes back at Israel in response to attacks - Dallas News
8. Tehran Retaliates with Missile Barrage After Israeli Attacks on Nuclear ...