Israel’s Bold “Rising Lion” Strike on Iran Sparks Retaliation and Regional Shock
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On June 13, 2025, early morning, Israel executed a substantial airstrike—coordinated across five waves—against approximately 100 targets inside Iran. Over 200 Israeli aircraft dropped about 330 munitions on key nuclear enrichment facilities (Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan), military bases, and installations housing IRGC leadership. A parallel covert drone base, smuggled and set up by Mossad agents near Tehran, disabled air defenses and launched attacks on missile launchers.
The strike killed top figures including IRGC commander Maj‑Gen Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff Maj‑Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Brig‑Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi‑Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. In total, Iran reported around 78 fatalities and over 320 wounded, mostly civilians. Explosions rocked residential districts in Tehran and cities near key nuclear installations.
Iran swiftly responded—launching hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles under “Operation Severe Punishment”. Sirens over Tel Aviv and Rishon LeZion marked the intensity of the retaliatory strikes, with at least three Israelis killed and dozens wounded. The U.S. provided air‑defense support but did not directly participate. Israel’s defense minister warned that “Tehran will burn” if attacks persist.
While Israeli officials hailed the mission as a strategic triumph—crippling Iranian nuclear and missile capabilities and decapitating leadership—the real outcome is muddier. Key sites like Fordo remain operational underground, and analysts caution that Iran’s nuclear ambitions may now be driven deeper underground. The strikes have derailed high‑stakes U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations set for June 15 in Oman , and experts warn of potential backlash—a nuclear sprint or full‑blown war .
