In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel has launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a massive military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and top leadership. The airstrikes, which began on June 12-13, 2025, mark a new chapter in the long-simmering conflict between the two regional adversaries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the operation would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove the [Iranian] threat,” warning that attacks could last up to two weeks. The strikes have already dealt a significant blow to Iran’s military and scientific establishment, with high-profile casualties including top generals and nuclear scientists.
A Devastating First Strike
The Israeli airstrikes hit multiple sites across Iran, focusing on key targets such as:
- Natanz Enrichment Complex
- Locations in Tehran Province:
- Nobonyad Street
- Lavizan district
- Jahan Koudak Tower
Among the reported casualties were Iranian Armed Forces General Staff Chief Major General Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami, and top nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. The loss of these key figures is likely to have a profound impact on Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities.
Source: Pexels Image
Iran Retaliates with Drone Swarms
In response to the devastating strikes on its territory and leadership, Iran launched over 100 drones at Israel. The Israel Defense Forces reported that their air defenses were actively intercepting these threats, but the scale of the retaliation underscores the potential for further escalation.
A Tense Global Backdrop
The outbreak of open warfare between Israel and Iran comes amidst a backdrop of heightened international tensions. In recent weeks, the United States had withdrawn diplomatic staff from Middle Eastern posts, citing security concerns. The strikes also follow years of covert operations and proxy conflicts between the two states.
An Uncertain Future
As “Operation Rising Lion” unfolds, the world watches anxiously to see how Iran will respond and whether the conflict will draw in other regional and global powers. With Netanyahu promising even more brutal attacks if necessary, the coming days and weeks could see a dangerous new phase in the long-running hostilities between Israel and Iran, with far-reaching consequences for the Middle East and beyond.
