Over the past 48 hours, Israel has launched its most decisive and ambitious military operation against Iran in decades—the operation is named “Rising Lion.” It began on 13 June 2025, when over 200 Israeli jets carried out coordinated airstrikes across more than 100 sites inside Iran, targeting key nuclear facilities (like Natanz and others), ballistic-missile factories, military command centers, and the residences of top Iranian leaders .
🎯 Key Immediate Outcomes:
Assassination of senior Iranian military figures: Including IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami, armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, and high-level nuclear scientists .
Iran's immediate retaliation: Over 100 drones and ballistic missiles were launched toward Israel, intercepted by air defenses or neighboring states .
Closure of regional airspaces: Iraq, Jordan, and other neighbors suspended air traffic; Israeli airspace remains on high alert .
Global market reactions: Oil prices surged by over 7–12%, as the Middle East neared a possible broader conflict .
🌐 Strategic and Political Fallout:
The strike was framed by Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu as a pre‑emptive act essential to preventing Iran’s development of nuclear capabilities **“within days”** .
International response has been mixed:
The U.S. publicly disclaiming involvement, though offering defensive support .
Global leaders—UN, UK, India, China, UAE, Turkey—have urged restraint .
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey have condemned the strikes as violations of international law .
Analysts warn that the attack may strengthen Iran’s drive for nuclear weaponry, and raise the risk of regime hardening rather than collapse .
🔮 What Comes Next?
Ongoing strikes expected: Israel has vowed to continue until the nuclear threat is “neutralized”—suggesting more waves are likely .
Iran's options: Officials warn of "history‑making" retaliation, possibly through direct military strikes or its regional proxy network .
Nuclear diplomacy jeopardized: Just ahead of planned US‑Iran talks in Oman, this could derail negotiations, perhaps pushing Tehran toward even faster weaponization .
Regional escalation risk: With the Persian Gulf tensions rising, global supply chains and energy markets all stand to feel the consequences—even if conflict remains limited to military and proxy engagements .
In summary, the Israel–Iran confrontation has escalated into direct and high-stakes military conflict. Israel aims to decimate Iran’s nuclear and military leadership, while Iran weighs a severe retaliatory response. The outcome may redefine nuclear diplomacy, regional security, and global economic stability .
