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In a stunning and audacious move that has sent shockwaves across the globe, Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, unleashing a barrage of airstrikes that targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, with a significant focus on facilities in Tehran. Announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a rare pre-dawn address, the operation marks a dramatic escalation in the decades-long shadow war between the two nations, raising the specter of a full-scale regional conflict that could redraw the geopolitical map of the Middle East.

The meticulously planned strikes zeroed in on Iran’s primary uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, located approximately 135 miles southeast of Tehran, as well as critical sites in the capital itself, including ballistic missile production plants and military command centers. Netanyahu described the operation as a preemptive strike to neutralize what Israel views as an imminent existential threat posed by Iran’s advancing nuclear program. Reports from the ground indicate that the attacks claimed the lives of several high-ranking Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and former Atomic Energy Organization chief Fereydoun Abbasi, amplifying the operation’s strategic impact.

The assault began with over 200 Israeli fighter jets breaching Iranian airspace, supported by covert operations that reportedly involved Mossad commandos smuggling precision-guided weapons to disable Tehran’s air defenses. Explosions lit up the Tehran skyline, with residents describing a night of chaos as buildings trembled and emergency services raced to contain the damage. Iranian state media confirmed significant destruction at Natanz and reported casualties in residential areas, fueling public outrage and fear. Oil prices spiked by nearly 8% as markets braced for potential retaliation, though Iran’s national oil company insisted its refining and storage facilities remained operational.

Iran’s response was immediate and resolute. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning of “harsh punishment,” vowing that Israel would face a “bitter and painful fate.” The foreign ministry summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents U.S. interests in Tehran, labeling the strikes a “declaration of war.” Within hours, Iran retaliated by launching over 100 drones toward Israeli territory, prompting air raid sirens across Israel and a state of emergency as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) scrambled to intercept the incoming threats.

The international community reacted with a mix of alarm and diplomatic urgency. U.S. President Donald Trump, who had prior knowledge of the operation, praised the strikes as “excellent” but urged Iran to seize a “second chance” to negotiate a nuclear deal, hinting at further military action if Tehran refuses. This stance appears to contradict Washington’s official position that the operation was unilateral, leaving allies like Germany, France, and the UK scrambling to mediate. A planned UN conference in Riyadh, aimed at reviving a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, was abruptly postponed, underscoring the ripple effects of the conflict.

The operation’s success in setting back Iran’s nuclear program remains unclear. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no immediate radiation leaks at Natanz but noted ongoing assessments. Analysts suggest that while the strikes may delay Iran’s uranium enrichment—estimated to be sufficient for nine potential nuclear weapons—the damage could be temporary if Tehran accelerates its efforts underground. Israel, however, insists the campaign will continue for days or weeks, with Netanyahu warning citizens to prepare for prolonged sheltering.

This bold move raises critical questions about the region’s future. Has "Operation Rising Lion" secured Israel’s safety, or ignited a war that could engulf the Middle East? As Tehran vows revenge and global powers weigh their next steps, the world holds its breath, uncertain whether diplomacy can avert the looming storm or if the lion’s roar will unleash chaos beyond control