Fact Check: "Iran’s U.N. ambassador said 78 people were killed and more than 320 wounded in Israeli attacks."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, Iran's U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, reported to the U.N. Security Council that Israeli attacks had resulted in the deaths of 78 people and injuries to over 320 others. He emphasized that "the overwhelming majority" of the victims were civilians, including women and children, amidst ongoing tensions related to Iran's nuclear program and Israel's military actions against Iranian targets (AP News, The Guardian). This statement came shortly after Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel, which resulted in additional casualties on both sides (AP News).
Analysis
The claim made by Iran's U.N. ambassador is corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press and The Guardian both reported the same figures of 78 killed and over 320 wounded, directly quoting Iravani's statements during the emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council (AP News, The Guardian).
However, it is important to consider the context and potential biases of the sources. The Iranian government has a vested interest in portraying the impact of Israeli attacks in a particular light, emphasizing civilian casualties to garner international sympathy and support. The reliability of the casualty figures can also be questioned, as they are reported by Iranian officials who may have reasons to exaggerate the numbers for political purposes.
Despite these considerations, the consistency of reports from independent news outlets like the Associated Press and The Guardian lends credibility to the claim. Both outlets have established reputations for journalistic integrity and fact-checking, which adds weight to the reported figures.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Iran’s U.N. ambassador said 78 people were killed and more than 320 wounded in Israeli attacks" is supported by multiple credible sources. While the potential for bias exists, the consistency of the reports from reputable news organizations confirms the accuracy of the ambassador's statement.
