Iranian strikes on the Weizmann Institute of Science

Iranian strikes on Weizmann Institute of Science
Part of the 2025 Iran–Israel war and the Middle Eastern crisis
Type	Ballistic missile strikes
Location	Rehovot, Israel
Target	Weizmann Institute of Science
Date	15 June 2025
Executed by	Iran
Outcome	90% of the institute's structures sustained damage 25% of the institute's operations suspended 2 billion shekels in damages
Casualties	None

On 15 June 2025, Iran launched ballistic missile strikes on the Weizmann Institute of Science located in Rehovot, Israel, inflicting considerable damage, specifically targeting and demolishing multiple facilities within the complex.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} This institute was historically a pivotal element of Israeli scientific and military research. Reports indicate that the laboratory, which was set to commence operations in 2025, has been nearly obliterated. Approximately 45 research laboratories throughout the Weizmann Institute sustained damage, impacting an estimated 400 to 500 researchers. As per Israeli media reports, the assault was described as "not accidental at all," suggesting that Iran intentionally aimed at an advanced research facility associated with the Israeli military.^[7]

Israel has consistently targeted Iranian nuclear scientists for assassination in a bid to undermine Iran's nuclear program. Additionally, it is reported that the institute has collaborative research projects with Israeli defense companies.^[7]

The Planetary Sciences Building of Weizmann Institute which contained the geochemistry laboratories along with other chemistry-related programs, suffered significant damage due to the shock waves generated by the missiles. Overall, approximately 90 percent of the Weizmann Institute’s structures experienced some level of damage—ranging from direct missile impacts to collateral consequences like shock waves, shrapnel, and fires. This damage included broken windows, collapsed laboratory floors, ruined electrical systems, and water damage resulting from firefighting efforts.^[8]

As stated by Alon Khen, the director of the institute, Iranian missile strikes have resulted in the destruction of 22 laboratories, 112 university buildings, and two primary administration structures. Consequently, around 25% of the institute's operations have been suspended, leading to the loss of essential data.^[9]

The head and researchers of the Weizmann Institute, presenting at a session of the Knesset Finance Committee, declared that the damage inflicted on the institute amounts to two billion shekels (approximately $600 million).^[9]

Yoel Gazansky, a specialist in Iranian affairs at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, stated that the Weizmann Institute has consistently been regarded as a "symbol of Israel's scientific and technological advancement," and that Iran conveyed through this attack that "if you harm our scientists, we will retaliate by targeting your scientific personnel."^[9]