Fact Check: "Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that hundreds of ballistic missiles were launched in retaliation for Israel's air strikes on Friday."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, reports emerged that Iran's state news agency, IRNA, confirmed the launch of hundreds of ballistic missiles aimed at Israel in response to Israeli air strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities. According to a Reuters report, the missile launches were described as part of Iran's retaliation for the Israeli attacks, which had reportedly focused on critical sites in Iran, including the Natanz nuclear facility. The New York Times also noted that the missile attacks were part of a broader escalation of hostilities between the two nations, with both sides suffering casualties and damage.
The Israeli military confirmed that they intercepted many of the missiles launched by Iran, indicating significant military engagement between the two countries. Reports indicated that the Iranian missile barrage included attacks on various locations in Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, leading to injuries and fatalities among Israeli civilians (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that IRNA reported the launch of "hundreds of ballistic missiles" is supported by multiple credible sources. For instance, the Reuters article states that IRNA confirmed the missile launches, aligning with the assertion made in the claim. Furthermore, the New York Times corroborates the scale of the missile attacks, describing them as part of a significant military response to Israeli strikes.
However, while the reports indicate a substantial number of missiles were launched, the exact figure of "hundreds" may require further verification. The CBS News report mentions "dozens" of ballistic missiles being launched, which suggests that while the scale of the attack was significant, the specific number cited in the claim may be an exaggeration or misinterpretation.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they include established news organizations with a history of covering international conflicts. However, it is important to note that state-run media, such as IRNA, may have a bias in framing events, particularly in the context of military engagements, which could influence the portrayal of the scale and impact of the missile launches.
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that hundreds of ballistic missiles were launched in retaliation for Israel's air strikes on Friday" is Partially True. While IRNA did report on the missile launches, and credible sources confirm that a significant number of missiles were fired, the specific figure of "hundreds" may not be fully substantiated by all reports. The situation remains fluid, and the exact details may evolve as more information becomes available.
Sources
- Iran strikes back at Israel with missiles over Jerusalem, Tel ...
- Live Updates: Iran Launches Missiles at Israel After Israeli ...
- Israel strikes Iran's nuclear sites and kills top generals. ...
- Israel says attacks on Iran are nothing compared with what ...
- Iran: une cyberattaque de grande ampleur paralyse les banques
- Iran launches missiles at Israel, and some hit Tel Aviv, as ...
