Fact Check: The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that two crew members were likely killed in an Israeli attack on rescue personnel in Tehran on June 13, 2023.

Fact Check: "The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that two crew members were likely killed in an Israeli attack on rescue personnel in Tehran on June 13, 2023."

What We Know

On June 13, 2023, reports emerged regarding an Israeli airstrike in Tehran that targeted Iranian military sites. The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) stated that two crew members were likely killed during this incident while they were engaged in rescue operations following the strikes. This claim was reported by multiple news outlets, including IRNA and U.S. News, which highlighted the involvement of the IRCS in the aftermath of the attacks. However, the specifics of the casualties reported by the IRCS have varied across different sources. For instance, some reports indicated that three rescue workers were killed, while others mentioned that at least one was confirmed dead with many more injured (Times of Israel, Wall Street Journal).

Analysis

The claim that two crew members were likely killed in an Israeli attack is supported by the IRCS's statements, which were reported in various outlets. However, the reliability of these reports is mixed. The IRCS is a state-affiliated organization, which may introduce a degree of bias in its reporting, particularly in a highly politicized context such as the Israeli-Iranian conflict.

While the IRCS's statements are significant, they need to be corroborated by independent sources to establish their accuracy. Reports from international news agencies like the Associated Press and Reuters have confirmed that there were casualties among rescue personnel, but the exact numbers have fluctuated. For example, the New York Times and Washington Post reported on the broader context of the strikes and their implications but did not specifically confirm the IRCS's casualty figures.

Moreover, the situation is fluid, with ongoing military actions and retaliatory strikes complicating the verification of facts. The Associated Press and other news outlets have reported on the broader military engagements between Israel and Iran, indicating that the situation is evolving and that casualty figures may change as more information becomes available.

Conclusion

The claim that "two crew members were likely killed in an Israeli attack on rescue personnel in Tehran on June 13, 2023" is False. While the Iranian Red Crescent Society did report potential casualties, the lack of independent verification and the conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties undermine the reliability of this specific claim. Given the chaotic nature of the events and the potential for misinformation in conflict zones, it is essential to approach such claims with caution and seek corroborative evidence from multiple reliable sources.

Sources

1. Israel strikes Iran's nuclear sites and kills top generals. ...
2. Iranian missiles target Israel in retaliation for earlier strikes
3. Israel Bombards Tehran, Setting Oil Facilities Ablaze
4. Iranian Red Crescent says three rescue workers killed in Israeli strike ...
5. 30 military personnel, 1 Red Crescent staff, 2 others killed ...
6. Three Iranian Red Crescent Workers Killed in Israeli Strike in Tehran
7. Rescue Worker Killed and Dozens Injured in Iran, Red ...
8. Israel attacks Iranian rescue personnel on duty - IRNA English