Israel Strikes Iran in Operation Rising Lion – Full Details

Israel strikes Iran in a bold preemptive operation named “Operation Rising Lion,” shaking global diplomatic foundations and escalating tensions in the Middle East. The surprise military action, carried out on June 13, 2025, marked one of the most extensive offensive campaigns by Israel against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

🔴 Key Developments

• Massive Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s Natanz and Khondab nuclear sites.
• Iran’s top military leaders, including Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri, were reportedly killed.
• Israel claims self-defense under imminent nuclear threat from Iran.
• The global oil market saw a sharp spike with prices rising over 6%.
• International diplomatic channels are in crisis mode.

🎯 Primary Targets Hit in Iran

Using precision air-to-surface missiles and cyber warfare, Israel reportedly disabled key components of Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities. The most affected sites include:

• Natanz: Iran’s main enrichment center
• Khondab: Heavy water reactor location
• Khorramabad: Suspected missile assembly zone

In addition, Mossad operatives on the ground assisted in coordinating laser-guided strikes on high-value targets within Tehran’s secure defense compounds.

🛡 Israel’s Justification and Intent

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a “necessary and unavoidable measure to prevent Iran from crossing the nuclear threshold.” According to Israeli defense sources, recent intelligence showed Iran enriching uranium to over 90% purity—well beyond peaceful energy use thresholds.

Netanyahu added, “If we don’t act now, we may not have a future generation to defend. Iran has crossed every red line.”

🇮🇷 Iran’s Immediate Response

Tehran has confirmed casualties and infrastructure damage but has not publicly acknowledged the scale of the impact. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a statement vowing “swift and severe retribution.”

Missile batteries across Iran have been placed on high alert, and communication lines to Hezbollah in Lebanon and proxies in Iraq and Syria have reportedly been activated. Air raid sirens were heard in major Israeli cities late in the evening as the IDF remained on full alert for retaliation.

🌐 Global Reaction and Fallout

World leaders are urging restraint. The U.S. has clarified that it was not part of the operation, though it is supporting the safety of its personnel and interests in the region. Many countries in Europe have called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

The Arab League is split, with Gulf nations urging de-escalation while others blame Israel for triggering wider instability. China and Russia condemned the strikes, calling them violations of international sovereignty.

📈 Economic and Civilian Impact

Stock markets in the Middle East fell sharply following the strikes. Oil prices surged past $92 per barrel. In Israel and Iran, citizens rushed to stockpile essentials, fearing an extended conflict.

In Iran, air traffic was halted for hours. Cell service in Tehran faced blackouts, potentially due to cyber disruptions. Israel opened emergency shelters nationwide and suspended school sessions for the next 48 hours.

💬 Expert Commentary

Security analysts suggest the strikes may delay Iran’s nuclear progress by months but could also push Tehran to fully abandon any remaining cooperation with the IAEA. Some speculate that Israel’s action aims to draw international red lines for future deterrence.

With domestic unrest in both nations, the timing of this operation may also reflect political calculations as much as strategic concerns.

🔮 What Happens Next?

• Iran’s military will likely respond within 24–72 hours.
• Expect cyberattacks, proxy engagements, or direct missile strikes.
• U.S. naval forces in the Gulf are on high alert.
• UN Security Council emergency session is expected within 48 hours.

📌 Summary

🗣 Final Thoughts

This military offensive marks a turning point in Middle East geopolitics. Whether it successfully delays Iran’s nuclear ambitions or sparks a prolonged regional war will depend on the next 72 hours. As nations prepare for ripple effects, the world watches with bated breath.