💥 Israel launches "Operation Rising Lion"
On the morning of June 13, Israel launched its first airstrikes against Iran, in what the military described as "preemptive" strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program and prominent military leaders. Sites targeted included the neutron enrichment reactor in Natanz and the residences of senior officials in Tehran. The strikes resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military leaders, including General Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami, as well as several nuclear scientists.
🚁 Iranian response – Over 100 drones
Iran responded by launching over 100 drones towards Israeli targets, but the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) managed to intercept most of them before they entered Israeli airspace. They also successfully intercepted some missiles that entered Jordanian airspace.
🏛️ American alliance – Call for calm
Amid the escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to return to the nuclear negotiation table before they face "more severe attacks." Washington denied any direct involvement in the strikes but confirmed that it would not tolerate Iran if it continued to enrich uranium.
🌍 Global implications
Oil prices surged by about 9% due to fears of supply disruptions in the region.
Flight cancellations: Jordan, Iran, Iraq, and Israel have closed their airspace to commercial airlines, while others are redirecting their routes.
International calls: Including Australia, the United Nations, and Jordan, have called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations, warning of the risks of the conflict widening.
✅ Summary
The morning of June 13 witnessed a sweeping escalation: Israel carried out precise airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program and leaders, while Iran responded with drones that were almost all intercepted, amid American warnings and global calls for calm. This escalation could pave the way for a wide regional crisis and put the area on the brink of open confrontation.