
Israel launched a large‑scale military operation on June 13, 2025, striking over 100 Iranian targets—nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and senior commanders—igniting fears of regional war and undermining diplomatic efforts.
At a Glance
- Israel’s Operation Rising Lion involved around 200 aircraft and covert drones striking approximately 100 targets in Iran, including the Natanz enrichment facility.
- High‑profile losses include IRGC chief Hossein Salami, military chief Mohammad Bagheri, and six nuclear scientists.
- Iran responded by launching over 100 drones toward Israel, most intercepted by Israeli defenses.
- The IAEA reported damage at Natanz but no radiation leaks, and noted Iran’s non‑compliance with nuclear obligations.
- U.S. President Trump praised the strikes and hinted at advanced coordination with Israel, even as officials stressed U.S. non‑involvement.
Military Strike and Strategic Goals
The operation, codenamed Rising Lion, marked Israel’s most extensive strike on Iran in decades, targeting nuclear, missile, and military command sites. The Israeli Defense Forces launched five waves of airstrikes using about 200 fighter jets and covert drones. According to intelligence reports, Mossad facilitated the operation by disabling Iranian air defenses and smuggling in weapons.
Prime Minister Netanyahu described the mission as a necessary preemptive measure to “roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.”
Watch a report: Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear sites in unprecedented attack.
Immediate Aftermath and Retaliation
Iran retaliated by launching over 100 drones toward Israel, most of which were intercepted. Tehran reported that strikes on its capital caused 78 civilian deaths and 329 injuries. Iranian state media declared the assault a “declaration of war.”
In the wake of the operation, airspace across the region was disrupted, with Iran closing its skies and international airlines rerouting flights. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed damage at the Natanz facility but no radiation leaks, though it emphasized Iran’s ongoing non‑compliance with nuclear transparency measures.
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Concerns
The strike came just before planned nuclear negotiations in Oman, prompting fears that the operation may derail those talks entirely. While the United Kingdom and Australia urged restraint, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states condemned the move as destabilizing.
Despite public denials of involvement, President Trump voiced strong support for the Israeli action and warned Iran to “come to the table or face the consequences.” U.S. defense officials focused on protecting American personnel in the region, without confirming any role in the planning.
What Lies Ahead
The attack by Israel signifies a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, raising concerns over several risks. There is the potential for Iran to retaliate further with drone, missile, or proxy actions, which could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Additionally, the instability in the Middle East has already led to a surge in oil prices, highlighting the global economic impact of this conflict. Overall, this bold strike could reshape regional security dynamics and undermine fragile diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.