On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a significant military operation—code-named Operation Rising Lion—targeting essential Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Over 200 Israeli fighter jets, supported by Mossad intelligence, attacked multiple high-value sites, including the Natanz enrichment facility and missile installations in Khondab, Khorramabad, Tabriz, and Tehran.
Targeted Leadership Losses
The airstrike led to the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials:
- Gen. Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri
- Deputy Commander Gholam Ali Rashid
- Adviser Ali Shamkhani
Additionally, prominent nuclear figures were killed, including Mohammad Mehdi Tehranji, Abdulhamid Minouchehr, and the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Fereydoon Abbasi.
Strategic Justification and Impact
Israel called the strike pre-emptive, aimed at stopping Iran’s progress toward nuclear capability, pointing to elevated uranium enrichment levels that are approaching weapons-grade thresholds. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no radiation leak from Natanz.
Multiple facilities suffered significant damage, although some reports indicate structural resilience in underground areas. Iranian casualties include military personnel and civilians, with explosions visible throughout Tehran.
Escalation and Counterstrike
Iran declared the attacks a “declaration of war” and announced its intention to retaliate. In response, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel—many of which were intercepted—and imposed extensive airspace restrictions.
International Response
The United States distanced itself by stating that the operation was unilateral. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the lack of U.S. involvement and urged Iran to refrain from counter-retaliation. Former President Trump suggested diplomatic solutions but indicated that “more brutal attacks” might follow.
The U.S., EU, China, India, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have urged restraint and cautioned against broader regional destabilization. Oil prices surged by over 7–8% due to fears of conflict escalation.
Implications for Diplomacy and Security
- Nuclear deal jeopardized: The attack complicates ongoing efforts in Oman to revive the 2015 JCPOA.
- Regional instability: Increased threat perception has resulted in airspace closures and interrupted commercial flights.
- Military escalation: The strike represents the most significant direct military engagement between Israel and Iran in decades, intensifying worries about a broader regional war.
What Comes Next
The situation remains volatile:
- Iran’s retaliation—whether via drone, missile, or proxy actions—could ignite a wider conflict.
- Diplomatic interventions are rising; global powers are urging restraint.
- Energy markets and flight operations are expected to encounter additional disruptions.
- Security alertness in the Middle East is at an all-time high, with nations preparing for unpredictable escalations.
This signifies a crucial turning point in the enduring covert conflict between Israel and Iran, transitioning from shadow operations to overt military confrontation. The upcoming days will determine whether this escalates into a broader war or leads to careful de-escalation.