*Pre‑emptive Strike by Israel ("Operation Rising Lion"):
On June 12–13, 2025, Israel launched what it described as a pre‑emptive air and missile strike across Iran, targeting nuclear facilities (Natanz, Khondab, Khorramabad), missile and military sites, and allegedly assassinating high‑ranking officials including IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri.
The strike also reportedly involved Mossad coordination and triggered a national state of emergency in Israel with air‑raid sirens and airspace restrictions
*Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Advancements:
Iran has intensified uranium enrichment to ~60% purity, stockpiling over 408 kg, a nearly 50% increase since February—just below weapons‑grade levels.
In early May, Iran unveiled the Qassem Bassir solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile (approx. 1,200 km range), touted for precision and counter‑defense capabilities.
*Risk of Regional Escalation & Retaliation:
Iran still possesses thousands of medium‑range missiles capable of striking U.S. bases across the Middle East, as well as proxies in Iraq, Syria, Yemen (Houthis), and Lebanon (Hezbollah).
Previous Iranian missile attacks on Israel (October 2024) and Houthi strikes (May 2025 near Ben Gurion) illustrate the contagious escalation pattern.
Global oil prices spiked over 6% following strike announcements, underlining economic risk via disruptions to Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf shipping.
*Diplomatic Front & U.S. Position:
Negotiations for a revived nuclear accord have been ongoing, but recent UN IAEA reports confirm Iran is non‑compliant and expanding enrichment sites.
The U.S. has evacuated some embassy staff and military dependents from the region; former President Trump has warned of “massive conflict” if diplomacy fails.
Israel’s military indicated it will not proceed unless the U.S. signals diplomacy has failed—certainly not before.
*Outlook for Crypto Markets:
Volatility surges amid geopolitical crises—assets like Bitcoin and Gold often draw investor attention.
Energy-related tokens and commodities (like oil-linked stablecoins) may also reflect supply‑side risks from Middle East instability.