#IsraelIranConflict *Israeli Operation "Rising Lion"**: On June 13, 2025, Israel launched unprecedented strikes across Iran, targeting nuclear facilities (Natanz, Fordow), military bases, and leadership. The operation aimed to degrade Iran's nuclear program and eliminate top commanders, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami and Armed Forces General Staff head Mohammad Bagheri.

2. **Iran's Retaliation**: Iran responded by firing "hundreds of ballistic missiles" at Israel, triggering explosions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israeli defenses intercepted most drones, but missile impacts caused property damage.

3. **Nuclear Tensions**: Israel justified the attack, citing an imminent threat from Iran's uranium enrichment (60% purity, enough for 15 bombs within days). This contradicted U.S. intelligence, which found no active Iranian nuclear weapons program.

4. **Decapitation Campaign**: Mossad operatives and airstrikes killed multiple Iranian nuclear scientists (e.g., Fereydoon Abbasi) and military leaders, disrupting command structures. Iran swiftly appointed replacements like Mohammad Pakpour as new IRGC commander.

5. **Regional Fallout**:

- A Houthi-launched missile from Yemen struck Hebron in the West Bank, injuring Palestinians.

- The UN Security Council convened, while Trump urged Iran to "negotiate seriously" on nuclear talks.

- Legal experts questioned Israel's compliance with international law, noting no "imminent" Iranian attack preceded the strikes.

**Background**: Decades of proxy conflict culminated in direct strikes after Iran's 2024 missile attacks and Israel's assassinations of Hamas/Hezbollah leaders.