Fact Check: Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday in strikes that targeted the country’s nuclear program and killed at least two top military officers.

Fact Check: "Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday in strikes that targeted the country’s nuclear program and killed at least two top military officers."

What We Know

On June 13, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes in Iran, specifically targeting the capital, Tehran. Reports indicate that these strikes aimed at Iran's nuclear program and resulted in the deaths of at least two high-ranking military officers. According to the Associated Press, the Israeli military confirmed that the operation was part of a broader strategy to mitigate the Iranian threat, which has been perceived as a significant risk to Israel's national security (source). The strikes reportedly caused significant damage to Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, with visible explosions and smoke reported by Iranian state media (source).

In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones at Israel, indicating a rapid escalation of hostilities between the two nations (source). The Iranian government claimed that the Israeli strikes killed several of its officials and scientists, with reports suggesting that the total casualties could be as high as 78, including over 320 wounded (source).

Analysis

The claim that Israel attacked Iran's capital and targeted its nuclear program is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, a well-established news organization, reported on the strikes, detailing the operational aspects and the immediate aftermath, including the Iranian response (source). Furthermore, the New York Times provided additional context, noting that the strikes resulted in the deaths of at least three high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists, reinforcing the assertion that the attacks were aimed at key figures within Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure (source).

While the Iranian government has a vested interest in portraying the situation in a particular light, the consistency of reports from independent news organizations lends credibility to the claim. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following the October 2023 Hamas attack, which has influenced Israeli military strategy (source).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include established news outlets with a history of accurate reporting on Middle Eastern affairs. However, it is essential to remain cautious about potential biases, especially from state-affiliated media on either side of the conflict.

Conclusion

The claim that "Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday in strikes that targeted the country’s nuclear program and killed at least two top military officers" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Israel conducted significant military operations against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and resulting in the deaths of key military personnel.

Sources

1. Israel strikes Iran's nuclear sites and kills top generals. Iran ...
2. Israel - The World Factbook
3. Special Briefing: Israel strikes Iran's nuclear program
4. Israel - Wikipedia
5. Iranian missile attack hits Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli ...
6. Israel Gaza war | Latest News & Updates - BBC
7. Israeli Strikes Kill IRGC Leader and Major Nuclear Scientists
8. Live updates: Israel attacks Iran | AP News - Associated Press News