On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, its most extensive strike against Iran to date. Approximately 200 fighter jets hit nuclear and military sites across several key regions, including Tehran, Natanz, Isfahan, Arak, Tabriz, and Kermanshah . Dozens of radars, missile launchers, nuclear enrichment facilities, and high-value targets were struck in a coordinated blitz aimed at rolling back Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
High-value decapitation targets
Israel launches Operation Rising Lion with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowing revenge
The operation focused on eliminating Iran’s strategic leadership:
- IRGC commander Hossein Salami, chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri, and other senior Revolutionary Guard leaders were killed
- Notable nuclear scientists—including Fereydoun Abbasi and others—were also targeted
Military, supported by Mossad-led sabotage, used intelligence to identify key figures for elimination.
Natanz and Iran’s nuclear path
Natanz, Iran’s core uranium enrichment complex, sustained heavy damage. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed explosions at the site, radiation levels have reportedly remained stable . Israel justified the strike by citing concerns over Iran’s rapid progress toward weapons-grade uranium—estimates suggested Iran was enriched up to 60% and could be near a “point of no return” .
Immediate backlash from Tehran
Iran’s leadership swiftly condemned the attack:
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei blasted it as a “crime” and “declaration of war,” promising a “bitter and painful fate” for Israel .
- Iranian forces launched about 100 drones toward Israel; most were intercepted .
Tehran also recalled the U.S. to responsibility, arguing Israeli action could not have occurred without American backing .
Global ripple effects
- The U.S. denied direct involvement, though President Trump acknowledged foreknowledge, calling for renewed nuclear discussions.
- Diplomatic efforts, including ongoing U.S.–Iran negotiations set in Oman, face serious setbacks.
- Regional tensions mounted: Iraq and Jordan reported airspace violations, and flights across the Middle East were grounded .
- Oil markets reacted sharply: Brent crude climbed more than 6–7% before easing .
Strategic reasoning behind the strike
- Preventing a nuclear Iran: Following extensive intelligence on uranium enrichment and missile development, Israel perceived an existential threat and acted pre-emptively .
- Leadership decapitation: The elimination of IRGC commanders and nukes scientists mirrors past Israeli “decapitation” strategies used against Hezbollah .
- Sabotaging regional response: Israel damaged Iran’s missile sites and air defenses to reduce retaliatory capacity .
- Disrupting diplomacy: With U.S.–Iran negotiations ongoing, Israel may have aimed to block any diplomatic outcome it perceived as too lenient .
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What’s next?
Iranian response: Tehran has pledged fierce retaliation—via drones, missiles, proxies, or cyber means—but its capacity was weakened .
Global pressure for de-escalation: NATO, the UN, Turkey, and others urge restraint; the IAEA offers to investigate Natanz damage .
Economic ripple effects: Markets remain jittery; oil prices and regional equities will hinge on further developments .
Diplomatic roadblocks: U.S.–Iran talks are now in serious jeopardy, raising questions about re-entering the JCPOA or forging fresh agreements.
Final word: a regional pivot
Operation Rising Lion marks a sharp escalation—Israel crossed from covert sabotage to overt regime-level strikes. The deliberate targeting of military-command and nuclear infrastructure reflects a shift in strategy. While Israel hopes to delay Iran’s nuclear and missile development, the operation introduces new dangers:
- Iran may abandon diplomatic pathways and pursue more aggressive programs.
- Regional risk increases, drawing in U.S. allies and proxies into potential cross-border warfare.
- Global markets are on edge, while Israel faces renewed scrutiny.
As the dust settles, the world watches whether this marks a turning point in Israel–Iran relations—or a dangerous path toward regional conflict. De-escalation efforts and diplomatic interventions will be critical in the coming days.
