Fact Check: "On June 13, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program, resulting in the deaths of at least three top Iranian military leaders: Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Gen. Hossein Salami, and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes aimed at Iran's nuclear program, which resulted in significant casualties among Iranian military leadership. Reports confirm that Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, was killed in these strikes, as reported by Iranian state media (New York Times). Additionally, Major General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was also reported among the deceased (CNN). However, there is no credible evidence or report confirming the death of General Amir Ali Hajizadeh in these strikes.
Analysis
The claim that Israel's airstrikes resulted in the deaths of "at least three top Iranian military leaders" is misleading. While the deaths of Generals Bagheri and Salami are corroborated by multiple sources, including the Washington Post and CNN, the assertion regarding General Hajizadeh lacks verification. The absence of credible reports confirming his death raises questions about the accuracy of the claim.
Furthermore, the context of these airstrikes is critical. The strikes were part of ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions. The BBC and The World Factbook provide background on Israel's military strategies and its geopolitical stance, which often involves preemptive strikes against perceived threats.
The reliability of the sources reporting on the airstrikes varies. Major news outlets like the New York Times and CNN are generally considered credible, while state media reports can be biased and should be approached with caution. The lack of independent verification for the claim about Hajizadeh's death further complicates the narrative.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that Israel's airstrikes on June 13, 2025, resulted in the deaths of at least three top Iranian military leaders is misleading. While Generals Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami were confirmed dead, there is no evidence to support the claim that General Amir Ali Hajizadeh was killed in these strikes. The lack of corroborating evidence for Hajizadeh's death undermines the overall accuracy of the claim.
Sources
- Israel - The World Factbook
- Israel – Wikipedia
- Who Are the Iranian Generals Killed by Israel? Here's What ...
- Iranian missiles target Israel in retaliation for earlier strikes
- Israel country profile - BBC News
- Israeli strikes kill some of Iran's most powerful men ...
- The Jerusalem Post - All News from the Middle East, Israel, and …
- Israel | Yle.fi | Uutiset, urheilu, ilmiöt
