Israel Launches ‘Operation Rising Lion’—A Preemptive Strike on Iran
In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israel unleashed a sweeping military campaign against Iran, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.” This massive operation saw Israeli fighter jets and Mossad operatives targeting more than 100 strategic sites across Iran. These included nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, as well as senior IRGC commanders and missile infrastructure
🎯 Precision Strikes: Who and What Was Targeted – (Operation Rising Lion)
Israel reported that 200 aircraft dropped over 330 munitions, focusing on the underground uranium enrichment halls at Natanz and other sensitive nuclear research hubs . High-ranking IRGC figures—including Gen. Hossein Salami and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri—along with several top nuclear scientists, were struck in their homes or command complexes. Explosions rocked Tehran and other key cities, with satellite imagery showing clear signs of structural damage near critical installations (theguardian.com).
Iran’s Immediate Response: The “Operation True Promise III”
Iran swiftly retaliated with its own military operation, internally named “Operation True Promise III,” launching over 150 ballistic missiles and dispatching more than 100 drones into Israeli airspace (en.wikipedia.org). While Israel’s Iron Dome and linked defense networks claimed to intercept the vast majority, a limited number of projectiles reportedly struck buildings in Tel Aviv, causing damage and wounding at least 22 civilians, with one fatality confirmed
Landslide of Global Reactions & Risks of Wider Conflict (Operation Rising Lion)
Global leaders—from the UK, France, Russia, and Turkey—voiced urgent calls for restraint as financial markets responded with sharp spikes in oil and gold prices . The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session amid concerns that this strike-and-counterstrike could spiral into a broader regional conflict . Analysts warn that by targeting nuclear sites and political leaders, Israel risks inadvertently solidifying support for Iranian hardliners, strengthening Iran’s global influence
What Role Is the U.S. Playing — or Not?
While the United States was not directly involved in the airstrikes, it did play a key role in intercepting incoming Iranian missiles—defending both Israeli and U.S. assets in the region . The U.S. Secretary of State, referenced by CBS, emphasized that while Washington was not engaged in the offensive, its primary objective remains safeguarding American forces . President Donald Trump, meanwhile, reiterated that Israel would face “even more brutal” consequences if Iran rebuffs diplomatic overtures, warning that this dialysis of diplomacy could escalate tensions further .
Nuclear Deal on Shaky Ground (Operation Rising Lion)
The strikes come just days before scheduled nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. With Israel attacking the nation’s nuclear infrastructure, Iranian lawmakers suggest the talks are likely dead . Meanwhile, Iranian leaders, including President Pezeshkian, signaled the country would prepare a “severe, wise, and strong” response—and warned these actions would “make the enemy regret its foolish act”
What Comes Next?
- Escalation Risk: Iran’s vow to launch additional waves—potentially involving proxy groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis—raises alarm about a multi-front war
- Diplomatic Fallout: A derailment of nuclear talks could lead Iran to fast-track its nuclear ambitions, increasing global security concerns .
- Economic Shockwaves: Rising commodity prices and market volatility are likely to persist as the conflict evolves .
- Civilian Safety: Both nations are heightening mobilization and civilian alert systems; further casualties and damages are a stark possibility.
Final Takeaway
This marked escalation punctuates a pivotal moment in the Iran–Israel standoff—one that threatens to redraw the geopolitical map. With preemptive strikes on nuclear arsenals and swift drone-and-missile reprisals, both sides have stepped into a perilous new phase. The coming days will determine whether this mutates into all-out regional war—or whether cooler heads, global diplomacy, and back channels can still prevail.
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