Misinformation Spread: A Satellite Image Misleadingly Claims Iranian Missile Strike on Israeli Research Institute
Amid the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, the spread of misinformation has become a significant challenge. While there may be a temporary ceasefire, the battle for accurate information continues to rage online. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for misleading posts and manipulated visuals, which often create confusion and amplify fear.
On June 13, Israel launched attacks on over 100 targets in Iran, including nuclear and military sites. In response, Iran sent more than 150 drones and missiles toward Israel. As news of these events spread, social media was flooded with dramatic videos and images purportedly showing the bombings. However, many of these images are either digitally altered or repurposed from other contexts, leading to widespread misinformation.
Despite the ceasefire, the flow of false information has not completely stopped. One such viral claim involves a satellite image that allegedly shows the aftermath of an Iranian missile strike on Israel's Weizmann Institute. However, fact-checking efforts reveal that this image does not depict an attack by Iran on Israel, but rather damage caused by Israeli strikes on an Iranian facility.
The Claim and Its Falsehood
A post on X (formerly Twitter) gained over 50,000 views, claiming to show the Weizmann Institute in Israel after a missile strike by Iran. According to Mysmarttech.my.idFact check, this claim is false. The image in question actually shows damage caused by Israeli attacks on Iran, not an Iranian counterattack on Israel.
Through a reverse image search, it was discovered that the image originates from Iran's Tabriz base, a critical missile facility located in the northwest of the country. Google Maps confirms that the coordinates 38.258861, 46.151618 correspond to the same area depicted in the image. Visual elements such as the triangle-shaped area and the layout of buildings and roads match exactly.
The satellite image was released by Maxar Technologies, a U.S.-based space technology company. A composite image from Maxar compares the view of the base before and after the alleged damage, showing the extent of the destruction on June 17, 2025.
The Real Weizmann Institute
It is important to note that one of the targets hit during Iran's retaliatory attacks on June 15 was indeed the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. This institute is a renowned research center focusing on various scientific disciplines. However, the image in question does not show the attack on this institution or its aftermath.
Google Maps places the Weizmann Institute at the coordinates 31.90393623598832, 34.80802076817506. The area depicted in the image differs significantly from the actual location, as it includes a much more densely built infrastructure.
Conclusion
The spread of misinformation during times of conflict poses a serious threat to public understanding and trust. It is crucial for individuals to verify the authenticity of images and claims, especially when they involve sensitive geopolitical issues. Fact-checking organizations play a vital role in uncovering the truth and ensuring that the public is informed accurately. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must our ability to discern fact from fiction.
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