When Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on June 13, 2025, it wasn’t a sporadic act of force—it was a calculated, high-stakes gambit timed to exploit a narrow window of geopolitical vulnerability inside Tehran. Early that morning, around 200 Israeli aircraft, drones, and cyber-warfare assets converged on Iran’s most sensitive sites: nuclear enrichment facilities at Natanz and Khondab, missile production centers, air-defense networks, and even command posts in Tehran.
The true shock came with the announcement that Iran’s military hierarchy had been decimated: IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami, Armed Forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists including Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were all among the fatalities.
This operation marks the most direct Israeli strike on Iranian soil since the Iran–Iraq War. For decades, Israel’s strategy relied on stealth—covert cyberattacks, drone assassinations, and proxy skirmishes. Today, the curtain was lifted. Sources confirm that Israeli special forces infiltrated inside Iran months ago, positioning drones and targeting infrastructure even before the air campaign unfolded .
The timing wasn’t accidental—this was a moment seized. Intelligence indicates Iran had amassed over 400 kg of 60 percent-enriched uranium, edging closer to weapons-grade material in a move that many feared could occur within weeks.
Simultaneously, Iran’s air-defense systems were compromised by previous Israeli strikes—crushing missile factories and disabling S‑300 batteries that once shielded key nuclear facilities Hezbollah and Hamas, long Iranian proxies, were weakened by Israeli offensives in Gaza and Lebanon, removing potential buffers and reducing risk of broader backlash .
Inside Tehran, morning explosions shook neighborhoods and military bases alike. The blast at Natanz was seismic, but the death of Salami and Bagheri—leaders of Iran’s power structure—was a symbolic blow. Salami, a veteran since the Iran–Iraq War and IRGC’s top commander since 2019, represented Iran’s hardline defense posture. His death, confirmed hours later, left a gaping leadership void.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the attack not as vengeance, but as necessity—timely, precise, and restrained. Civilian and oil infrastructure remained untouched, signaling a targeted campaign rather than a broader assault .
Even so, explosions near Tehran’s residential areas and missile bases triggered condemnation from Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who labeled the attack a “declaration of war” and prompted a swift, retaliatory drone barrage directed at Israel—nearly 100 drones intercepted by Israeli defenses.
In Washington, voices diverged. Republican congressional leaders and some Democrats voiced support for Israel, defending its actions as acts of self-defense. Others, including Senators Chris Murphy and Elizabeth Warren, expressed concerns that the attacks might derail fresh diplomatic efforts to limit Tehran’s nuclear program.
Israel’s Strikes Draw Global Backing — Including From Former President Trump
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, speaking through a strongly worded post on X, hailed the strikes as “excellent” and warned Tehran that “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.” He added provocatively, “there’s more to come, a lot more”
Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to “make a deal.” They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn’t get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2025
That bold statement and its digital echo underscore the high-stakes psychological dimension of the strike—Israel needed to demonstrate decisive capability before Iran had time to rebuild.
Israel avoided targeting American assets directly, but shadow U.S. intelligence support—particularly from the Trump-aligned team—smoothed planning and logistics, per reports from The Times of Israel, Axios, and the Wall Street Journal . Within hours, the U.S. temporarily withdrew diplomats and families from regional posts, as commercial flights rerouted across the Gulf .
Back home, Defense Minister Israel Katz used the moment to remind Israelis of the country’s strategic prerogatives: weakening Iran’s nuclear ambitions, safeguarding national security, and sending a clear message to Tehran and its allies. But analysts like Meir Litvak and others warn that this level of precision comes with risk. A misstep could escalate into full-scale war—something neither side truly wants after enduring Gaza bombardments and confronting Hezbollah’s rockets.
What comes next remains a dangerous chessboard. Iran vowed revenge but knows that rebooting its nuclear program will take time. Retaliatory options are limited: striking U.S. bases might provoke American troops, while attacking Israel directly risks further devastation.
Analysts suggest diplomatic channels might continue as long as Iranian nuclear ambitions remain delayed—though trust is shattered .
For Israel’s leadership, this strike was about foresight. Netanyahu declared this “Israel’s finest hour,” not because it hurt Iran, but because it did so when Iran was vulnerable—and before its rivals rebounded . With Iran’s nuclear thresholds in sight and allied networks weakened, the operation was a rare opportunity too big to miss.
In the broader calculus, though, the world now stands on a knife-edge. The balance between regional escalation and nuclear restraint may unfold in the months ahead—or collapse into broader conflict. Israel has proven it can strike deep at Iran. Now everyone will watch Tehran’s next move.