Operation Rising Lion Begins
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a powerful military operation named “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. This surprise move was aimed at halting Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear weapons program.
The Israeli Air Force, along with intelligence units, coordinated a series of airstrikes and covert missions deep inside Iranian territory, marking one of the most significant escalations in Middle East tensions in years.
Mission Objectives
The main goal of Operation Rising Lion was to disable Iran’s uranium enrichment plants, ballistic missile sites, and command centers. Israel claims Iran was close to weaponizing its nuclear program, posing a direct threat to its national security.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel acted alone and swiftly to remove what he called an “existential threat.”
Massive Airstrikes Across Iran
More than 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in this nighttime assault. Major nuclear sites like Natanz, Khondab, and Khorramabad were bombed with precision-guided weapons.
In addition to air raids, Israeli intelligence agency Mossad reportedly carried out ground-level sabotage missions, disabling Iran’s air defenses and communication networks.
Key Iranian Figures Reported Killed
The attack led to the deaths of several top Iranian leaders and scientists. Some of the notable casualties include:
- Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, Commander of the IRGC
- Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Army
- Nuclear scientists such as Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi
Several residential areas were also damaged, leading to fears of civilian casualties.
Explosions Shake Tehran
In the Iranian capital Tehran, loud blasts and rising black smoke shocked the city’s residents. Videos circulating on social media show destroyed buildings and fires in various districts. Emergency services rushed to respond, and the government issued alerts nationwide.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that some nuclear facilities were hit but said there was no radiation leak.
Iran Strikes Back
Within hours of the attack, Iran launched over 100 drones targeting Israeli military and civilian areas. Most were intercepted, but some crossed airspace over Jordan and Iraq. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to take revenge and promised a “severe response”.
Global Reactions
The international community reacted quickly:
- The United States stated it was not involved in the operation but confirmed it is ready to defend its bases in the region.
- Some US lawmakers supported Israel’s actions, while others warned of rising instability.
- NATO called for restraint.
- Oil prices spiked amid fears of further conflict.
Will This Lead to a Bigger War?
This operation is the biggest Israeli strike on Iran in recent years. Experts warn that it could lead to a wider war in the Middle East if Iran responds with full military force. Israel has already declared a national emergency and suspended civilian air travel.
What Happens Next?
Israel has signaled that further attacks may come if Iran’s threat is not neutralized. Iran, on the other hand, is preparing its military for retaliation.
Global powers including the UN and EU are pushing for calm and diplomatic dialogue, but tensions remain dangerously high.
Final Thoughts
Operation Rising Lion has dramatically shifted the balance in the Middle East. With both nations now on high alert and international diplomacy under pressure, the world watches closely to see whether this conflict will spiral into a full-scale war or retreat back into tense silence.
✅ Internal Links (Link to other relevant posts on your own website)
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- Middle East Conflict Updates
👉 Link:https://theayodhyatimes.com/world/middle-east-conflict-updates
💡 Context to use: “For ongoing coverage, read our Middle East Conflict Updates.” - Iran’s Drone Response Explained
👉 Link:https://theayodhyatimes.com/analysis/iran-drone-retaliation
💡 Context to use: “To understand Iran’s retaliation via drones, visit our report on Iran’s Drone Response.” - Israel’s Defense Strategy in 2025
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✅ External Links (Outbound links to credible sources)
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- The Guardian – Israel’s Operation Rising Lion
👉 Link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/13/israel-strikes-iran-nuclear-program-netanyahu
💡 Use when mentioning airstrikes or Netanyahu’s statement. - TIME Magazine – Operation Rising Lion Explained
👉 Link: https://time.com/7293795/israel-strikes-iran-attack-what-to-know
💡 Use when explaining the background or timeline. - International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
👉 Link: https://www.iaea.org
💡 Use when referencing nuclear inspections or radiation safety.