On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a historic military attack named Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear and defense infrastructure. The airstrikes, described as preemptive by Israeli officials, struck top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran fired a barrage of missiles and drones toward Israeli territory, which was a dramatic escalation and sparked concerns of a broader regional conflict.
/*Scope of the Strike: Decapitation and Nuclear Facility Targets*/
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad-backed intelligence launched around 200 planes to strike around 100 critical locations—most notably the Natanz and Fordow uranium-enrichment facilities in Iran proper. The attack also struck the Khondab heavy-water reactor and missile storage. Top IRGC commanders reportedly killed include Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, Major General Hossein Salami, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and several nuclear experts.
/* Iran's Retaliation: Missiles and Drone Barrage*/
Iran unleashed over 100 ballistic missiles and drones against Israel. Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow air-defense missile systems are said to have intercepted most of the threats. Sirens blared across major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Ashkelon, bringing residents into bomb shelters. In the midst of the string of aerial attacks, Israeli sources indicate no reported civilian casualties.
/*Strategic Rationale and Global Reaction*/
The Israeli government rationalized the move as a means of preventing Iran nuclearization on the grounds of intelligence reporting Tehran had enriched uranium to a near-weapons-grade point. Prime Minister Netanyahu vouched that the campaign would continue "as many days as it takes" until the threat was eradicated. World leaders, such as the U.K., France, Germany, India, and the U.N., called for restraint amid regional conflict fears.
/*Diplomatic Fallout and Nuclear Talks in Jeopardy*/
The strike left continuing U.S.-brokered nuclear negotiations at an impasse. Iran cut diplomatic negotiations short, while the United States maintained the U.S. had been notified but not involved. President Trump threatened Iran, demanding Iran come back to the negotiating table, but clarified Israel's right of self-defense. The U.N. Security Council convened an emergency session to address the crisis, with oil prices increasing by more than 7% due to fears