Israel has struck Iran’s nuclear facilities in a massive preemptive operation codenamed “Rising Lion,” triggering fears of regional war as Tehran launches ballistic missiles in retaliation.
At a Glance
- Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, particularly the Natanz enrichment facility
- The strikes killed Major General Hossein Salami, top nuclear scientists, and reportedly at least 20 Iranian commanders
- Prime Minister Netanyahu justified the action as necessary to eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapons program while thanking President Trump
- Secretary of State Rubio distanced the U.S. from the strikes, emphasizing American forces’ protection as the priority
- President Trump had reportedly preferred diplomatic solutions before Israel’s unilateral military action
Israel’s Bold Strike Against Iranian Nuclear Program
Israel’s military launched what it describes as a necessary preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation, claiming Israeli forces successfully targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz along with other nuclear and missile sites. Reports indicate explosions rocked Tehran while air raid sirens activated in Tel Aviv, signaling Iran’s immediate retaliatory missile launches. The operation followed the International Atomic Energy Agency’s declaration that Iran had breached nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
The attacks utilized stand-off munitions fired from outside Iranian airspace, representing a significant shift in Israel’s deterrence strategy. Israeli aircraft reportedly operated from Iraqi airspace using long-range missiles, prompting Iraq to close its airspace to avoid being drawn into the conflict. In response, Iran declared a nationwide state of emergency and launched ballistic missiles toward Israel. Israeli air defense systems detected these incoming projectiles, raising alerts across the country.
As Israel braces for major Iranian response, IDF says Iran launched drones toward Israeli territory; over 200 Israeli jets struck more than 100 targets across Iran in preemptive operation, according to military spokesperson
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Iran has launched more than 100 unmanned aerial… pic.twitter.com/7GUl4nMO9t— Ynetnews (@ynetnews) June 13, 2025
Significant Casualties Among Iran’s Leadership
The operation resulted in substantial casualties among Iran’s scientific and military leadership. Among the confirmed dead is Major General Hossein Salami, along with numerous nuclear scientists central to Iran’s weapons program. Unconfirmed reports suggest at least 20 high-ranking Iranian military officials were targeted and possibly killed in the strikes. Additionally, Israeli intelligence agency Mossad reportedly activated sleeper cells within Iran to conduct sabotage operations concurrent with the airstrikes.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s determination to continue the operation until the perceived threat is neutralized. In his statement, he explicitly cited intelligence indicating Iran had acquired enriched fissile material needed for nuclear weapons development as justification for the attack. Meanwhile, Iran placed its air defense systems on high alert and suspended civilian flights, bracing for potential follow-up strikes as the Revolutionary Guard vowed revenge.
🇮🇱 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 – Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes in Iran in an operation 'Operation Rising Lion' targeting the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities, and several leading Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists.
𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲… pic.twitter.com/csBfUJKtSm
— Conflict Monitor (@ConflictMoniter) June 13, 2025
U.S. Response and Diplomatic Implications
The Israeli operation has created significant diplomatic complications for the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio quickly distanced the United States from the attacks, stating that American forces were not involved and emphasizing that protecting U.S. personnel in the region remains the top priority. The State Department issued warnings for American citizens in the region to exercise extreme caution as tensions escalate.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,”, said Marco Rubio.
Despite Netanyahu publicly thanking President Trump for his stance against Iran’s nuclear program, reports indicate Trump had advised against military action, preferring to pursue diplomatic channels. The President had reportedly been engaged in negotiations with Iran and believed a potential agreement was possible. The strikes appear to have undermined these diplomatic efforts, complicating Trump’s foreign policy goals which included promises to end conflicts rather than escalate them.
Risk of Regional Escalation
The situation threatens to escalate into a full-scale regional conflict, with global stakeholders closely monitoring developments. Iran’s immediate missile response signals its willingness to engage in direct confrontation with Israel. The United States has moved non-essential personnel out of the Middle East due to the heightening tensions, while maintaining military assets in the region to protect American interests and potentially assist in defensive operations.
“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,”, stated Netanyahu
The catalyst for the conflict appears to have been a recent IAEA resolution against Iran, which Tehran denounced while announcing plans to construct new enrichment facilities. Israel’s decision to launch Operation Rising Lion marks a significant change in its approach to the Iranian nuclear threat, moving from covert operations and targeted assassinations to open military strikes against critical infrastructure. The coming days will determine whether this conflict remains contained or expands to draw in other regional powers.
