Fact Check: Israeli Strikes Inside Iran on June 13, 2023
What We Know
On June 13, 2023, Israel conducted extensive military strikes inside Iranian territory, targeting various sites, including residential buildings. These operations were described by Iranian officials as an "unprovoked act of aggression" (source-4, source-6). Reports indicate that the strikes were part of a broader military campaign aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities and nuclear program, with significant casualties reported, including 78 people killed and over 320 injured, many of whom were civilians (source-2).
Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed the specific details of the strikes but have emphasized their ongoing military strategy against Iranian threats, which they perceive as existential (source-1). The operations reportedly involved advanced intelligence and military planning, targeting key military figures and facilities (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that Israel conducted strikes on June 13, 2023, targeting residential buildings in Iran and that these actions were unprovoked is supported by multiple sources. The characterization of the strikes as "unprovoked" comes primarily from Iranian officials, who have a vested interest in framing the narrative to garner international sympathy and justify their own military responses (source-4, source-6).
However, the context of ongoing military tensions between Israel and Iran complicates the narrative. Israel has long viewed Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence as direct threats, leading to a series of preemptive strikes over the years. The Israeli government's perspective is that these military actions are necessary for national security and are responses to perceived provocations from Iran and its proxies (source-1).
While the strikes did target civilian infrastructure, the Israeli military's stated objectives were to disrupt military capabilities and nuclear development. This duality in the nature of the strikes—targeting both military and civilian sites—raises questions about the proportionality and legality of such actions under international law (source-2, source-4).
Conclusion
The claim that Israel conducted strikes inside Iranian territory on June 13, 2023, including residential buildings, is Partially True. While the strikes did occur and were described as unprovoked by Iranian officials, the broader context of ongoing military tensions and Israel's strategic objectives complicates the narrative. The strikes were part of a calculated military campaign against perceived threats from Iran, which Israel has justified as necessary for its national security. However, the targeting of civilian infrastructure raises significant ethical and legal concerns.
Sources
- Live Updates: Israeli Strikes Wipe Out Iran's Top Military Chain of Command
- Iran hits Israel with a second wave of missiles
- Iran starts new round of strikes on Israel - GlobalSecurity.org
- Israel continues to hit residential buildings in Tehran
- Iranian State TV Headquarters Attacked Amid Escalating Israeli Strikes