In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel launched a large-scale military operation, codenamed Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025.
The operation, described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival”, struck key sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, ballistic missile factories, and residences of senior military officials and nuclear scientists.
Iran swiftly retaliated, launching over 100 drones toward Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Israeli military officials confirmed that 200 fighter jets, deploying over 330 munitions, targeted more than 100 sites across Iran, including the heavily fortified Natanz complex and air defence systems.
Iranian state media reported significant casualties, including Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff; and at least six nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
Civilian casualties, including children, were also reported in residential areas near Tehran, though exact numbers remain unclear.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation confirmed damage to the Natanz facility but reported no radioactive or chemical contamination.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment”, and Iranian forces launched approximately 100 drones toward Israel, which the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said were intercepted outside Israeli airspace.
Israel declared a state of emergency, with sirens sounding across the country and civilians instructed to remain near shelters.
The strikes follow years of shadow conflict between Israel and Iran, intensified by Iran’s alleged progress toward nuclear weaponisation. Netanyahu claimed Iran had enriched uranium sufficient for “nine atom bombs”, a claim disputed by some analysts as requiring scrutiny.
The operation disrupted scheduled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, with Iran withdrawing from negotiations set for Sunday.
International reactions have been swift, with the U.S. denying involvement but affirming support for Israel’s defence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum restraint” to avoid a wider war, while countries including China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes.
The U.S. has evacuated non-essential personnel from the region, anticipating further Iranian retaliation.
As both nations brace for further escalation, the strikes have grounded flights across Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, with oil prices surging over 12% due to fears of disruption in the oil-rich region. The international community remains on edge, with calls for de-escalation growing louder.
