š„ Israelās āOperation Rising Lionā Begins:
Between June 12 and 13, 2025, Israel launched a major aerial offensive called Operation Rising Lion against Iran. This seems to be a calculated ādecapitationā strike, aimed at crippling Iranās nuclear capabilities and eliminating key figures in its military leadership.
Key Targets and Major Casualties
The Natanz Enrichment Complex in Isfahan and multiple locations in Tehranāincluding military, scientific, and residential zonesāwere targeted.
High-profile Iranian figures reportedly killed include:
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General Staff
IRGC Commander Hossein Salami
Gholam Ali Rasid, senior military officer
Fereydoon Abbasi, nuclear scientist
Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, physicist
Israeli Objectives
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the strikes will continue āas long as necessary to eliminate the [Iranian] threat,ā focusing on Iranās nuclear enrichment facilities, missile development, and top military scientists.
š®š· Iranās Counterattack ā A Drone Offensive
On June 13, Iran responded swiftly by launching over 100 drones towards Israel. However, most were intercepted by Israeli defence systems.
This large-scale drone attack is among Iranās most direct responses so far, showcasing its capability to strike across borders.
š¢ļø Regional Impact and Global Reactions
Airspace and Travel Disruptions: Several neighbouring countries closed their airspace, forcing airlines to reroute flights, resulting in longer travel times and higher costs.
Economic Shockwaves: Oil prices surged, with Brent crude rising over 10%, while global stock markets dropped amid fears of a prolonged conflict.
U.S. Response: The Biden administration has distanced itself from the Israeli strikes and urged all sides to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, Iran has warned of retaliatory action against both Israeli and American targets.
Appeals for Calm: Governments across the Middle East and major global powers have called for de-escalation, fearing the situation could spiral into a broader regional war.
š What Could Happen Next?
Will Iran Retaliate Further? Analysts suggest Iran might opt for "strategic patience" or a carefully planned response, especially since Israel is said to have struck missile launch sites and storage facilities.
Diplomatic Fallout: The Israeli strikes could derail upcoming peace efforts, including the scheduled U.S.āIran talks in Oman on June 15.
Possibility of Wider Conflict: Experts warn that Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis might escalate their involvement, increasing the risk of a larger regional war.
š Conclusion
Israelās surprise air operation marks a sharp escalationātargeting both Iranās nuclear infrastructure and its top military leadership. In response, Tehran launched a significant drone offensive. The global community now closely watches as both sides decide their next moves: immediate escalation, measured retaliation, or a diplomatic path forward.