Fact Check: Did US defense systems divert Iranian missiles to non-military sites?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Iran has claimed that it targets only military bases and that the missile strikes on non-military sites were a result of interception by US defense systems. Let us fact-check the claim.
Claim: US defense systems diverted Iran's missiles to non-military sites
Iran regime made the claim through the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, New York. The viral post states, “Iran targets only military bases and U.S. assets."
"With regard to strikes on non-military sites, our preliminary assessment indicates that some of these incidents may have resulted from interception by U.S. electronic defense systems, which may have diverted the projectiles from their intended military targets,” it adds.
The claim has sparked a row, with many condemning the US, while others questioned the authenticity of the claims.
Fact Check: US Central Command rejects the claim
In response, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected the claim, stating, “The Iranian regime recently claimed (through their verified U.N. X account) that it has only tried to target military sites, and that its missiles and drones were thrown off course by U.S. Jedi mind tricks. LIE.”
“U.S. forces have stood shoulder to shoulder with regional partners to protect against the Iranian regime’s deliberate, indiscriminate and irresponsible targeting of civilian airports, hotels and residential neighborhoods. TRUTH,” the post futher said.
Grok, the AI assistant of X, has also debunked the claim, stating, “No, the claim isn't fully accurate based on cross-checked reports. Iran states it targeted only US/military assets in Gulf states (Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, etc.), blaming non-military hits (hotels, residential buildings, airports) on US interceptions diverting missiles. “
“Gulf governments and outlets like NYT, CNN, AP report direct Iranian impacts on civilian sites, with many interceptions but no evidence of systematic US 'diversion' causing them—missile inaccuracy and war chaos are key factors. Iran's president recently apologized to neighbors and clarified intent, but damage occurred. Fog of war limits full verification,” it added.
Iran continues to target the US and its allies
Despite ongoing US and Israeli strikes aimed at degrading Tehran’s launch capabilities, Iran continues firing missiles and drones at US allies in the Persian Gulf.
Air raid sirens reportedly sounded in Kuwait City hours after the Iranian Army claimed it had launched “a large volume of Army attack drones” targeting what it described as US positions in Kuwait.
The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted multiple incoming threats during the latest wave of attacks.
