Israel Launches Operation Rising Lion Against Iran Military

In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, Israel launched a full-scale military offensive against Iran on June 13, 2025, under the codename “Rising Lion.” This operation, characterized as a preemptive strike, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and high-ranking military personnel. The action marks the most intense direct confrontation between Israel and Iran in recent history and signals a potential shift in the Middle East’s already volatile geopolitical landscape.

The primary goal of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion was to neutralize Iran’s military capabilities and dismantle what Israeli officials described as imminent nuclear threats. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) deployed over 200 fighter jets in coordinated airstrikes on more than 100 strategic sites across Iran. High-value targets included Tehran, Isfahan, and the Natanz nuclear facility—widely known for uranium enrichment.

Among those killed were senior Iranian officials, including Major General Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and other key figures involved in Iran’s military and nuclear programs. Intelligence experts noted that these strikes were aimed not just at facilities but at leadership nodes central to Iran’s defense and nuclear chain of command.

Iran’s Retaliation: Missile Strikes on Israel

Iran responded swiftly with a barrage of missile attacks targeting several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Dozens of long-range ballistic missiles were launched, some of which were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, while others caused considerable damage. According to Israeli emergency services, at least three civilians were killed and dozens more were injured in the attacks.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, declaring that they had targeted “dozens of Zionist military and intelligence facilities.” In Tehran, large crowds gathered in support of the Iranian military, waving flags and chanting anti-Israel slogans.

The international response to the growing conflict was swift and largely focused on urging de-escalation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made an urgent appeal for both nations to cease fire and return to diplomacy. “Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The United States, a long-time ally of Israel, confirmed it was assisting in the defense against Iranian missile attacks. However, American officials emphasized that Washington had not been informed in advance of Israel’s preemptive strikes. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held emergency talks, both affirming the need for renewed diplomatic dialogue to prevent a regional war.

The sudden eruption of direct hostilities has thrown upcoming nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States into doubt. The two nations had planned to resume talks in Oman on Sunday to revisit the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, following the airstrikes, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei called the discussions “meaningless” and accused the U.S. of giving Israel a green light to attack.

“It is still unclear what decision we will make for Sunday,” Baqaei told Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, signaling a possible withdrawal from negotiations.

Analysts warn that the escalation could spill into a broader regional war, drawing in various state and non-state actors. Israel has hinted at further military action if Iran continues to launch missiles, while Iranian leaders have vowed to continue their retaliation until what they called “Zionist aggression” ends.

Countries including Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey temporarily grounded air traffic in anticipation of additional strikes. As of Saturday morning, some airspace restrictions were lifted, but tensions remain high.

Operation Rising Lion represents a dramatic turning point in the long-standing rivalry between Israel and Iran. Both nations have suffered casualties and significant infrastructure damage. With the potential for regional instability looming, the international community faces the urgent task of brokering a ceasefire.

The stakes could not be higher: continued military escalation risks drawing in multiple countries, destabilizing global energy markets, and derailing fragile diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing nuclear proliferation. Whether diplomacy can prevail in time remains uncertain—but for now, Israel has made it clear that it will not tolerate what it views as existential threats from Tehran.

Source- EWN