Fact Check: Israel has conducted military operations against Iranian targets in the past
What We Know
The claim that "Israel has conducted military operations against Iranian targets in the past" is supported by recent military actions that occurred during the Iran-Israel war, which began on June 13, 2025. Under the operation named Operation Rising Lion, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad launched attacks on multiple locations across Iran. These operations targeted key nuclear sites, military installations, and involved targeted assassinations of both military and civilian personnel (Wikipedia).
The conflict escalated when Iran retaliated with its own military operations, indicating a significant level of military engagement between the two nations (BBC). This pattern of military operations is not new; Israel has a history of conducting strikes against Iranian interests, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear capabilities and military infrastructure (New York Times).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple credible sources, including detailed accounts from Wikipedia and analyses from reputable news outlets like BBC and The New York Times. These sources provide a timeline and context for the military operations, illustrating that Israel has indeed engaged in military actions against Iranian targets.
The reliability of these sources is generally high. Wikipedia, while user-edited, cites numerous references and provides a comprehensive overview of the events. The New York Times and BBC are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. However, it is essential to note that the framing of these events can vary based on the publication's perspective, which may introduce some bias. For instance, while Israeli sources may emphasize the necessity of these operations for national security, Iranian sources may portray them as acts of aggression.
The operations conducted under Operation Rising Lion are described as extensive, involving airstrikes and intelligence operations aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities (Institute for the Study of War). This aligns with Israel's long-standing policy of preemptive strikes against perceived threats, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Conclusion
The claim that "Israel has conducted military operations against Iranian targets in the past" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Israel has engaged in military actions against Iranian targets, particularly during the recent Iran-Israel war. The operations were extensive and targeted critical infrastructure, demonstrating a clear pattern of military engagement between the two nations.
Sources
- List of attacks during the Iran-Israel war - Wikipedia
- PDF A Brief Overview of Iranian and Israeli Strategies following Operations ...
- IranβIsrael war - Wikipedia
- List of Israel Defense Forces operations - Wikipedia
- Timeline: A Recent History of the Israel-Iran Conflict - The New York Times
- Israel-Iran: How did latest conflict start and where could it ... - BBC
- Israel-Iran conflict: A timeline of how the attacks unfolded - Independent