Fact Check: "The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning affecting up to 330,000 people in central Tehran one hour before the strike on IRINN."
What We Know
On June 16, 2025, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning that affected approximately 330,000 residents in central Tehran, specifically targeting an area that includes the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), police headquarters, and several large hospitals, including one affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard (AP News). This warning was issued just one hour before an Israeli airstrike hit the IRINN building during a live broadcast, causing significant disruption and panic among those present (Washington Post).
The context of this evacuation warning is critical, as it occurred amid escalating military actions between Israel and Iran, with Israel claiming to have achieved air superiority over Tehran (Independent). The strikes were part of a broader military campaign aimed at Iran's nuclear program and military capabilities, which Israel has long viewed as a significant threat (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Israel issued an evacuation warning affecting up to 330,000 people in Tehran one hour before the strike on IRINN is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported the evacuation warning and the subsequent airstrike, detailing the timing and the areas affected (AP News). The Washington Post corroborated this information, noting that the warning was issued just before the strike that disrupted a live broadcast at IRINN (Washington Post).
Other sources, including CBS News and The Hill, also confirmed the evacuation warning and its implications, emphasizing the urgency and the scale of the evacuation (CBS News, The Hill). The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the claim, as they originate from reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards.
However, it is essential to consider the potential biases in reporting, especially given the sensitive nature of military conflicts. While the sources cited are generally reliable, the framing of events can vary based on the outlet's editorial stance. Nonetheless, the factual basis regarding the evacuation warning and its timing relative to the airstrike is well-supported.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning affecting up to 330,000 people in central Tehran one hour before the strike on IRINN is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm the timing and details of the evacuation order, as well as the subsequent airstrike on the IRINN building. The evidence presented aligns consistently across various reputable news outlets, validating the claim's authenticity.
Sources
- Iran missile attacks on Israel kill 8 | AP News
- Israeli strike on Iranian state TV fills studio with dust and ... | Washington Post
- Israeli military issues evacuation warnings to Iranians near ... | Reuters
- Israeli military warns some Tehran residents to evacuate ahead of ... | PBS
- Israeli strike on Iranian state TV fills studio with dust and debris ... | Independent
- Israel strikes Iranian state TV, warns people to evacuate ... | CBS News
- Israel orders 300,000 people in Tehran to evacuate while Trump issues ... | The Hill
- Israel warns hundreds of thousands to evacuate Tehran ahead of ... - MSN