#IsraelIranConflict 1. Israel launches “Operation Rising Lion”
In the early hours of June 13, Israel initiated large-scale airstrikes across Iran under the codename Operation Rising Lion, targeting nuclear sites, military installations, missile factories, and residences of senior officials .
Explosions rocked Tehran, Natanz, Isfahan, Khondab, Khorramabad, among other locations .
Key Iranian figures reportedly killed include IRGC commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists like Fereydoon Abbasi .
Israel frames the operation as a preemptive strike to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating it will continue “as many days as it takes” .
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2. Iran’s response and defense posture
Tehran’s state media confirm the strikes and report civilian and military casualties .
Iran launched ≈100 drones toward Israel, which Israeli air defenses are actively intercepting .
Iran vows a “painful” and “heavy” response, pledging retaliation against Israel—and potentially U.S. interests—in the region .
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3. Regional and global implications
The escalation marks a significant shift from the decades-long “shadow war” to direct, nation-to-nation confrontation .
Global markets reacted sharply—oil prices surged over 6 % immediately following the strikes .
Regional airspaces (e.g., Jordan, Iraq, Iran) were closed or disrupted, and commercial flights diverted across the Middle East .
The U.S. maintains it did not participate, though criticism is mounting toward Israel’s boldness .
Former President Trump warned of a potential “massive conflict” if nuclear negotiations fail .