Fact Check: "Iran’s state news agency IRNA said hundreds of ballistic missiles had been launched in retaliation for Israel’s strikes."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in response to Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets. This operation was named "Operation Severe Punishment" and was characterized by Iranian officials as a direct retaliation for the Israeli attacks that resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists (Reuters, Washington Post). The missile strikes triggered air raid sirens across Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv, where explosions were reported (CNN, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles is corroborated by multiple reputable sources. Both Reuters and CNN confirm that the Iranian missile barrage was substantial, with IRNA specifically stating the number of missiles involved. The context of the strikes, following Israeli military operations that reportedly killed high-ranking Iranian officials, adds credibility to the assertion that this was a retaliatory measure (Washington Post, CBS News).
However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. IRNA, as a state-run agency, may have a bias in its reporting, potentially exaggerating the scale of the missile launch to bolster national sentiment. Nevertheless, independent confirmations from outlets like CNN and CBS News, which are not state-controlled, lend additional weight to the claim (CNN, CBS News). The corroboration from multiple sources helps mitigate concerns about bias from any single outlet.
Conclusion
The claim that "Iran’s state news agency IRNA said hundreds of ballistic missiles had been launched in retaliation for Israel’s strikes" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports the assertion that Iran did indeed launch a significant number of missiles in response to Israeli military actions, aligning with statements made by Iranian officials and the reported reactions within Israel.
Sources
- Iran strikes back at Israel with missiles over Jerusalem, Tel ...
- Iranian missile attack hits Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli ...
- Israel, Iran launch more barrages as Israel aims to wipe out ...
- Iran: une cyberattaque de grande ampleur paralyse les banques
- Multiples explosions en Iran il y a une heure - JForum
- Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel following attack
- Trump demande à l’Iran de choisir entre la vie ou la mort
- Iran launches missiles at Israel, and some hit Tel Aviv, as ...