Operation Rising Lion: Israel Targets Iranian Nuclear Facilities and Senior Military Leaders
In the early hours of June 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale military operation dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting at least 100 targets in cities including Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz, as well as Isfahan and Kermanshah, based on claims that Iran was close to completing its nuclear weapons development. The operation coordinated more than 200 fighter jets (F-35I and F-16Il) from the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Mossad agents who had infiltrated Iran months ago with unmanned systems and explosives. These elements deployed in multiple waves throughout the day.
As part of this multi-layered operation, multiple strategic targets were reportedly damaged or destroyed, including Iran’s largest uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, the uranium conversion facility in Isfahan, the main radar systems and SAM batteries in western Iran, mobile launch systems, UAV production facilities, and ammunition depots. In addition, several high-ranking Iranian officials were killed in the attack. Among them were General Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force; Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces; Tahirpur, Commander of the Iranian Air Force’s UAV Division; and Davoud Sheikhian, Commander of the Air Force’s Air Command. Furthermore, leading scientists working in nuclear capacity development were also targeted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the following statement regarding the attacks carried out as part of Operation Rising Lion:
“We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program. We targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz. We targeted Iran’s leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck at the heart of Iran’s ballistic missile program.” Netanyahu also emphasized that the scope of the operation was only the beginning, adding,” This operation will continue as long as necessary.”
“Operation Rising Lion,” a far more complex and intense military campaign than Israel’s previous operations against hostile state actors and proxy groups in the region, has prompted alarm not only in the Middle East but also within global diplomatic and security circles. U.S. President Donald Trump made a statement about the operation, saying, “We knew everything, and I tried to save Iran from humiliation and death. I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out”, and then added, “They can still work out a deal, however, it’s not too late.”
Western allies such as the UK, France, and Germany expressed concern about the regional conflict escalation. They urged all parties to refrain from actions that could further raise tensions. The Arab world, on the other hand, described the operation as “contrary to international law.” Türkiye also condemned the attack, and a security meeting that lasted approximately four hours was held with the participation of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Chief of the General Staff General Metin Gürak, and İbrahim Kalın, Director of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT).
As the repercussions of the operation continued worldwide, Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Friday night that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran would respond with the maximum force to the Israeli regime’s aggressive actions and launched a retaliatory operation called the “Operation Severe Punishment.” So far, over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles have been launched from Iranian territory toward targets across Israel. Iranian media claimed that its missiles successfully penetrated Israel’s multi-layered air defense systems and struck intended targets. However, footage shared on social media shows that many of the launched missiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, while a few caused damage to some homes in Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan. According to reports, 63 people have been injured so far. Iran also claimed to have downed two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and several UAVs in addition to the missile strikes.
With attacks continuing on both sides during this critical period, it remains unclear where the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran will lead. Developments could change dramatically in hours, so alarm bells continue to ring for all regional actors and worldwide.