Fact Check: "Israeli forces attacked Iran on Friday, killing over 104 people, including top military commanders and scientists, and injuring nearly 380 people."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, Israel conducted significant military strikes against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and military leadership. According to reports, these strikes resulted in the deaths of at least nine Iranian nuclear scientists and two top military officers (NPR, AP News). The Israeli military described the operation as necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program, which Israel views as a direct threat to its national security (NPR).
In retaliation, Iran launched a series of missile strikes against Israel, which reportedly resulted in three fatalities and dozens of injuries among Israeli civilians (NPR, AP News). Iranian state media claimed that the Israeli strikes had killed 78 people and injured over 320, primarily civilians (NPR). However, the numbers reported by Iranian sources are often contested and may not be independently verified.
Analysis
The claim that over 104 people were killed in the Israeli strikes appears to be partially true. While multiple sources confirm that nine Iranian nuclear scientists and two military commanders were killed (NPR, AP News), the total death toll reported varies significantly. A human rights organization later reported that 406 people had died as a result of the ongoing conflict, which includes casualties from both the Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliatory actions (France24). This figure, however, is not universally accepted and lacks independent verification.
The injury toll of nearly 380 people also lacks corroboration from multiple sources. While Iranian media reported injuries in the hundreds, the exact number of injuries resulting specifically from the Israeli strikes is not clearly delineated in the available reports. The Israeli military confirmed injuries but did not provide specific figures (NPR, AP News).
The reliability of the sources varies. While established news organizations like NPR and AP provide credible reporting, Iranian state media often presents information that aligns with government narratives and may be biased. Thus, while the claim contains elements of truth, it also includes figures that are likely inflated or unverified.
Conclusion
The claim that "Israeli forces attacked Iran on Friday, killing over 104 people, including top military commanders and scientists, and injuring nearly 380 people" is Partially True. The Israeli strikes did result in the deaths of key Iranian military personnel and scientists, but the total death toll and injury figures are contested and vary significantly between sources. The numbers reported by Iranian state media are likely exaggerated, and independent verification of the casualty figures remains lacking.
Sources
- 9 Iranian nuclear scientists killed in Israel's strikes on Iran
- Israel strikes Iran's nuclear sites and kills top generals.
- Iranian missiles target Israel in retaliation for earlier strikes
- Who were the Iranian commanders killed in Israel's attack?
- Israel hits Iran's nuclear program and military leadership
- Israel-Iran updates: IRGC intelligence chief, two generals
- Hundreds reported dead as Israel and Iran trade strikes for days
- The Iranian Generals, Scientists Killed by Israeli Strikes
