On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a massive, multi-pronged attack on Iran, codenamed Operation Rising Lion. This unprecedented strike targeted Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites, ballistic missile facilities, and top military personnel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the attack necessary to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and described the operation as critical for Israel’s long-term survival.
In response, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israeli airspace. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei denounced the assault as a “declaration of war”, and tensions escalated swiftly, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict.
1. Historical Context: A Long-Brewing Tension
a. Israel’s Red Line on a Nuclear Iran
Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran has considered Israel its ideological enemy. In return, Israel has consistently viewed a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. This belief has guided Israeli policy for decades, especially under the “Begin Doctrine,” which asserts that Israel must take military action to prevent any hostile nation from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Over the years, Israel has executed several covert operations to delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions, including cyberattacks (like the Stuxnet worm), assassinations of nuclear scientists, and airstrikes on Iranian proxies and facilities in Syria and Iraq.
b. Iran’s Accelerated Nuclear Activity
Recent reports by the IAEA revealed that Iran was enriching uranium at up to 60% purity—close to weapons-grade (90%). Estimates suggested Iran had amassed enough fissile material for multiple nuclear bombs. Israel considered this a tipping point.
Furthermore, Tehran’s failure to cooperate with international nuclear inspectors and its continued missile development raised alarm bells. Israeli officials believed that Iran was only weeks away from achieving irreversible nuclear breakout capability.
2. Why Now? Israel’s Motivations
1. A Narrowing Window
Israeli intelligence reportedly assessed that Iran was just days from achieving critical nuclear enrichment milestones. This was seen as the final window to act before Iran’s nuclear facilities would be fortified beyond the reach of conventional strikes.
2. Targeting Leadership and Infrastructure
Operation Rising Lion was designed to go beyond infrastructure and also target Iran’s command chain. The airstrikes and covert operations eliminated several senior military figures, including:
- IRGC Commander General Hossein Salami
- Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri
- Deputy Chief Gholam Ali Rashid
- Multiple nuclear scientists and engineers
This was intended to paralyze Iran’s ability to coordinate a sustained nuclear or military response.
3. Strategic Use of Mossad
Reports indicate Mossad played a key role in laying the groundwork. Covert operatives reportedly smuggled weapons into Iranian territory and positioned drone and missile systems near strategic targets. These assets were activated in synchronization with the airstrikes to overwhelm Iranian air defenses.
4. Pre-Empting Diplomacy
The timing of the strike—days before scheduled nuclear talks in Oman—signaled Israel’s loss of faith in diplomatic efforts. By acting unilaterally, Israel aimed to reshape future negotiations from a position of strength.
3. The Execution of Operation Rising Lion
a. Scale and Precision
The operation involved nearly 200 Israeli aircraft in coordinated waves. The air force struck targets in Natanz (Iran’s primary enrichment site), Fordow, Isfahan, Khondab, Tabriz, and multiple military bases. Simultaneous strikes disrupted communications, radar installations, and airfields to minimize Iranian countermeasures.
b. Coordinated Ground and Cyber Elements
In addition to air power, Israeli cyber units reportedly disabled Iranian air defense radars. Mossad-directed drone swarms hit targets deep within Tehran and other major cities, compounding confusion and panic.
c. Iran’s Immediate Response
Iran quickly retaliated with a barrage of drones aimed at Israeli territory. Most were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems. Nevertheless, the Iranian leadership promised further retaliation, and the specter of escalation looms.
4. Global Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
The United States
While the U.S. administration officially denied involvement, intelligence reports suggest Washington had prior knowledge. The President emphasized that the U.S. was not part of the operation but affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense. He also issued a stern warning to Iran not to retaliate against U.S. personnel or interests.
Iran and Allies
Iran condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of international law. The country’s Supreme Leader vowed “severe revenge,” and emergency meetings were convened in Tehran. Iran’s regional allies—including Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq—placed their forces on high alert.
International Community
- United Nations: Urged restraint and warned against attacks on nuclear facilities, fearing environmental fallout and legal precedent.
- European Union: Expressed deep concern about the collapse of diplomatic talks.
- Russia and China: Strongly condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them an act of aggression.
- Saudi Arabia and UAE: Though long wary of Iran, they publicly criticized the violation of Iranian sovereignty to prevent escalation in the Gulf.
5. Strategic Impact and Risks
a. Tactical Success for Israel
In the short term, the operation degraded Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, eliminated key figures, and sent a strong regional signal. Israeli officials claimed over 90% mission success, with minimal casualties on their side.
b. Long-Term Repercussions
Despite tactical wins, long-term consequences remain uncertain:
- Iran may rebuild: With the know-how still intact, Iran could resume its program underground and with greater secrecy.
- Diplomatic breakdown: Any hope for reviving nuclear negotiations now seems remote.
- Increased regional instability: Iranian proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen may intensify attacks on Israeli or U.S. interests.
- Economic ripple effects: Oil prices surged after the attack. Investors fear regional war could destabilize global markets.
c. Cyber and Proxy Threats
Iran is expected to retaliate via cyberattacks on Israeli infrastructure, as well as through its network of regional allies. Hezbollah could launch rockets from Lebanon. The Houthis in Yemen could attack Red Sea shipping lanes. Iraq’s militias might target U.S. troops.
6. Political Consequences for Netanyahu
Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the strike as a moment of national destiny, stating that waiting any longer would have been catastrophic. Domestically, the move garnered widespread political support—even from opposition leaders—under the umbrella of national security.
However, critics argue that the decision was risky and could backfire if it drags Israel into a multi-front war or leads to diplomatic isolation.
7. The Bigger Picture: What’s Next?
A Shift in Doctrine
Operation Rising Lion marks a definitive shift in Israeli military doctrine—from covert sabotage and “red lines” to full-scale, overt preemptive warfare. It sets a precedent that may be followed by others in the region.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation at Risk
The strike has raised serious questions about the future of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). If Iran withdraws from the treaty or accelerates weaponization, the NPT’s credibility could be severely undermined. Other regional powers might pursue nuclear options themselves, triggering an arms race.
Diplomatic Freeze
It is unlikely that meaningful diplomatic negotiations will resume anytime soon. Trust between Iran and the West—already strained—is now practically nonexistent. The region may now enter a protracted period of “cold conflict,” punctuated by periodic flare-ups and proxy skirmishes.
Conclusion
The Israeli strike on Iran was the result of years of mounting tensions, stalled diplomacy, and deep strategic distrust. While Israel may have delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions temporarily, the long-term effects remain uncertain—and potentially dangerous.
This is more than a military operation; it is a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Whether it leads to a safer future or plunges the region into deeper chaos depends on what comes next—from Tehran, from Jerusalem, and from the world.