In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israel launched a sweeping military assault on Iran—codenamed Operation Rising Lion—marking the largest such attack since the Iran–Iraq War. The combined effort from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad targeted a broad range of strategic assets:
- Nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified Natanz uranium-enrichment facility;
- Ballistic missile factories and air‑defense systems, hit by both airstrikes and covert sabotage;
- High‑ranking Iranian military leadership, including Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami and Army Chief Mohammad Bagheri, along with several nuclear scientists;
The IDF confirmed that over 200 fighter jets participated in multiple strike waves, hitting around 100 targets and releasing more than 330 munitions. Explosions sparked across Tehran at approximately 03:00 local time, triggering sirens, state of emergency declarations, and the suspension of airspace in Israel, Jordan, and Iraq .
⚔️ Immediate Aftermath & Escalation Risks
- Iran’s response: Within hours, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel. While some were intercepted, the standoff prompted continued high alerts and sirens across the region.
- International tensions: Many countries condemned the strikes, urging restraint to prevent a wider regional war.
- U.S. posture: Washington affirmed it was not involved but warned Iran against targeting U.S. forces, highlighting the risk of being dragged into a broader conflict.
- Oil and markets: In response, global oil prices surged over 8 %, and stock futures took a sharp hit.
🗣️ Key Statements from Leadership
- Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the strike as necessary to halt Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon, asserting the operation will persist “for as many days as it takes”.
- Ayatollah Khamenei responded strongly, warning Israel to brace for a “bitter and painful fate”.
- Senators in Washington voiced mixed views: Democrats cautioned the attack could ignite escalation, while some Republicans supported harsh measures—including targeting Iranian oil infrastructure if the U.S. becomes targeted.
🔍 What This Means for the Region
This strike:
- Represents the largest direct Israeli attack on Iran in decades, indicating a major escalation across military and intelligence domains.
- Risks derailing ongoing diplomatic efforts, notably planned U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations .
- Heightens fears of making the U.S. a de facto party to any broader conflict—a scenario the White House is eager to avoid.
🧭 Final Take
Israel’s overnight assault marks a pivotal flashpoint in the Iran–Israel conflict. With significant strategic targets hit and high-ranking commanders killed, the region teeters on the edge of broader war. The next days will be critical, as Iran’s promised retaliation unfolds and global diplomacy races to contain violence.
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