In an unprecedented military operation dubbed ”Operation Rising Lion,” Israel struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
According to a report by Israeli outlet N12, cited by The War Zone, the operation involved covert Mossad activities, with agents infiltrating Iran to establish secret drone and missile bases near critical targets, including air defence systems and nuclear facilities.
The meticulously planned operation, which began on June 13, 2025, saw Israel deploy over 200 fighter jets to hit more than 100 targets across Iran, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, a key component of Iran’s nuclear program.
The strikes also targeted ballistic missile sites and killed several high-ranking Iranian officials, including six nuclear scientists and senior military commanders such as Gholamali Rashid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, stated the operation aimed to “strike at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs,” emphasizing the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The operation utilised advanced technology, including Rafael Spike precision-guided missiles, launched by Mossad operatives from within Iran to disable air defences and pave the way for airstrikes.
Video footage reportedly shows Israeli commandos operating on Iranian soil, using drones and missiles to target strategic assets with precision. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage to Natanz but reported no significant radiation leaks, though concerns remain about the broader implications for nuclear safety.
Iran responded swiftly, launching approximately 100 drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which struck Tel Aviv, causing at least one death and dozens of injuries. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, vowed “severe punishment,” while newly appointed Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour warned of opening “the gates of hell” in retaliation.
Iran’s UN ambassador claimed 78 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Israeli strikes, though these figures remain unverified.
The United States, while denying direct involvement, expressed readiness to assist Israel defensively, particularly against ballistic missile threats. The operation comes amid heightened tensions following an IAEA report accusing Iran of concealing its nuclear ambitions, providing Israel with additional pretext for the strikes.
As both nations brace for potential further escalation, the international community, including the UN and regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, has called for restraint to avoid a broader conflict.
Israeli officials indicated that Operation Rising Lion could continue for days or even weeks, with Netanyahu warning citizens to prepare for prolonged periods in sheltered areas. The operation’s scale and audacity mark a significant escalation in the long-standing Israel-Iran conflict, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Sources: The War Zone, N12, IAEA, Reuters