Fact Check: "Iranian missile strike damages Haifa's oldest mosques in shocking attack."
What We Know
On June 20, 2025, an Iranian missile strike targeted downtown Haifa, Israel, causing significant damage to several buildings, including two historic mosques: Masjid Al-Saghir and Al Jarina Grand Mosque. Masjid Al-Saghir, built in 1761, and Al Jarina, which dates back to 1775, were both affected during the attack. Reports indicate that clerics were present at the time of the strike, leading to injuries among them (source-4, source-6). The missile was part of a larger barrage of approximately 35 missiles launched by Iran towards various targets in Israel (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Iranian missiles damaged Haifa's oldest mosques is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times and The Jerusalem Post confirm the damage to both mosques, providing details about their historical significance and the injuries sustained by clerics present during the attack.
However, while the claim is accurate regarding the damage to the mosques, the term "shocking attack" is subjective and may imply a level of surprise or unexpectedness that could be debated. The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has been marked by escalating tensions and missile exchanges, making such attacks less surprising to observers of the situation.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, with the New York Times being a well-established news organization known for its thorough reporting. The Jerusalem Post, while also credible, has been noted for its pro-Israel stance, which may introduce some bias in the portrayal of events (source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that "Iranian missile strike damages Haifa's oldest mosques in shocking attack" is Partially True. The damage to the mosques is confirmed by multiple reliable sources, but the characterization of the attack as "shocking" may not accurately reflect the ongoing context of hostilities between Iran and Israel.
Sources
- Live Updates: E.U. Talks With Iran Yield No Breakthrough
- Mapping the Israel-Iran Conflict - The New York Times
- Iranian missiles strike Haifa as Israeli air force attacks Tehran
- Iranian ballistic missile damages oldest, second oldest mosques in Haifa
- PICTURES: Iranian missile strike damages Haifa's oldest mosques ...
- Iranian Missile Damages Haifa's Historic Mosques, Injuring Clerics