Direct hit on Israel’s premier scientific hub: Weizmann Institute targeted in Iranian missile barrage

A woman in her 60s, another in her 80s, and a child in their 10s were killed in and an additional 136 people were injured in recent attacks.

By Yair Kleinbaum, JFeed

The Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel’s leading research institution, was struck directly during Iran’s overnight missile and drone barrage on central Israel.

According to a report by The New York Times, at least one laboratory building caught fire.

Emergency services are on-site and working to rescue those inside under hazardous conditions.

The strike on the Weizmann Institute marks a symbolic and strategic blow, as the institution is considered the crown jewel of Israeli civilian scientific research.

The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Central Israel, suffered a direct impact from an Iranian ballistic missile earlier tonight, starting a fire in one of the laboratories and causing extensive damage to a section of the campus. pic.twitter.com/IYEY4H14UZ

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 15, 2025

U.S. Consulate in Iraq Targeted

Simultaneously, the conflict appears to be spreading regionally. Reports from Erbil, Iraq, confirm that the U.S. consulate came under attack, with explosions reported near the diplomatic compound.

Mass Casualty Event in Israel

Back in Israel, a mass casualty event was declared at Wolfson Hospital in Holon, a few miles from Tel Aviv. Dozens of ambulances were dispatched, and trauma teams were activated.

A woman in her 60s, another in her 80s, and a child in their 10s were killed in and an additional 136 people were injured in the blast.

Chemical Fallout in Southern Iran

In southern Iran, local residents are reporting severe breathing difficulties following the destruction of several weapons storage facilities. Witnesses describe strong chemical odors in the air, prompting fears of toxic exposure.

IAEA Confirms Damage to Nuclear Infrastructure

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that four critical structures at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility were damaged in the strike, including a uranium enrichment facility and a fuel plate production plant.

However, as with previous incidents in Natanz, the IAEA reports no increase in radiation levels outside the site.

Israel Asks U.S. for Military Support

Amid growing tensions, NBC News reports that Israel has formally requested U.S. military intervention in the ongoing war against Iran.

While there has been no official response yet from Washington, the request underscores the escalating scale and urgency of the conflict.

Ballistic missileIranWeizmann Institute