A Bold Preemptive Strike
In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israel attacked Iran in a sweeping military operation codenamed “Operation Rising Lion.” This was no routine skirmish—it involved more than 200 Israeli fighter jets and drones targeting over 100 strategic locations across Iran. A combination of air force strikes and covert Mossad-led sabotage left Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership in chaos.
Why Israel Attacked: A Rising Nuclear Threat
For months, Israeli defense and intelligence leaders have warned that Iran was rapidly advancing its nuclear program, enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels—around 60%, according to reports theaustralian.com.au+1thetimes.co.uk+1time.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4theaustralian.com.au+4. This alarming pace spurred fears of a potential nuclear breakout. As nuclear diplomacy fell apart and Iran rebuffed warnings from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), forecasting its first non‑compliance in 20 years, Israel concluded that time had run out.
Targets of the Strike
Israel attacked Iran on multiple fronts: nuclear facilities, missile bases, command centers, and homes of top military officials. Key targets included:
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Natanz uranium enrichment facility
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Missile sites at Khondab, Khorramabad, and Tabriz
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Senior commanders’ residences in Tehran en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org+6theaustralian.com.au+6en.wikipedia.org+6
These precise strikes were designed to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions and disrupt its military command.
High‑Value Casualties
In what analysts are calling a decapitation strike, prominent figures eliminated include:
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Maj‑Gen Hossein Salami, head of the IRGC nypost.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5nypost.com+5en.wikipedia.org+9theaustralian.com.au+9theguardian.com+9
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Maj‑Gen Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff axios.com+15time.com+15theguardian.com+15
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Gholam Ali Rashid, senior commander en.wikipedia.org+15theaustralian.com.au+15en.wikipedia.org+15
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Ali Shamkhani, military advisor theguardian.com+2theaustralian.com.au+2en.wikipedia.org+2
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Amir Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC aerospace head en.wikipedia.org+13en.wikipedia.org+13thetimes.co.uk+13
At least six nuclear scientists, including Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were also killed, sending ripples through Iran’s scientific and military establishment theaustralian.com.au+6en.wikipedia.org+6thesun.ie+6.
Sabotage from Within
Alongside airstrikes, Mossad reportedly conducted ground-level sabotage missions, smuggling explosive drones inside Iran to take out missile sites and key defenses apnews.com+4axios.com+4thesun.ie+4. This multi-pronged approach demonstrated the high level of coordination and intelligence that went into the operation.
Retaliation from Tehran
In a swift response, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel. While most were intercepted, the move symbolized a defiant signal: Tehran would not back down . Both nations have closed their airspace, and Iran canceled flights at Imam Khomeini Airport. Iran labeled the Israeli action a “declaration of war” in its letter to the UN .
Global Reactions and Diplomacy
Responses to Israel attacked Iran have flooded diplomatic channels:
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United States: Official statements claim non-involvement, but acknowledge being informed. Some U.S. officials signaled private support axios.com.
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Donald Trump praised the strike as “excellent” and warned “more to come” en.wikipedia.org+9theguardian.com+9economictimes.indiatimes.com+9.
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European Union & NATO urged restraint as oil prices spiked over 7–8%, reflecting wider regional fear ndtv.com+4apnews.com+4thetimes.co.uk+4.
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UN Secretary‑General António Guterres urged maximum restraint and condemned military escalation en.wikipedia.org.
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Regional players like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan condemned the attack, calling it a breach of international law apnews.com.
Implications for the Middle East
The aftermath of Israel attacked Iran will reverberate far beyond the region:
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Nuclear diplomacy is dead: With Iran declaring enrichment and Israel striking hard, chances for a peaceful deal have evaporated.
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Regional escalation risk: Proxy actors like Hezbollah may join in. Iran’s vote to mobilize is uncertain, yet possible reddit.com+1aljazeera.com+1.
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Economic consequences: Oil markets surged, shipping lanes may be threatened, and global inflation might accelerate.
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Human toll: With civilian casualties reported in Tehran, grief and resentment will fuel future cycles of violence.
What Comes Next
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Israel’s stance: PM Netanyahu vowed that Operation Rising Lion would continue “as many days as it takes” to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat theaustralian.com.au+6en.wikipedia.org+6thetimes.co.uk+6.
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Iran’s response: Beyond drone strikes, Iran is likely preparing its proxies and missile capabilities to retaliate. A counter‑strike on Israeli or regional assets could follow.
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U.S. engagement: The U.S. maintains an “ironclad” commitment to Israel, but real involvement in war remains unlikely. Diplomatic backchannel efforts will intensify.
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International mediation: CN efforts like U.N.-sanctioned ceasefire discussions may arise, though trust between the parties is at rock bottom.
Context: A Pattern of Escalation
This is not the first time Israel attacked Iran. The prior most significant strike occurred in October 2024, called Operation Days of Repentance, when over 100 aircraft hit missile factories and radar sites in Iran ndtv.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2indianexpress.com+2. That action warned Tehran but was far smaller in scale than June 2025’s massive show of force. Since then, regional dynamics have only worsened.
Why This Is a Turning Point
This strike combines surgical leadership decapitation, sabotage, cyber tools, and strategic messaging. For Israel, it is a calculated attempt to enforce a new deterrent logic. For Iran, it signals a shift from latent military power to a kinetic threat. The world now must grapple with the first large-scale Israeli air campaign on Iranian soil since the Iran-Iraq War. The outcome could redefine Middle East power balances for a generation.
Learn More and Follow Analysis
For in‑depth coverage and analysis, readers can follow Al Jazeera’s live updates on the strike and its repercussions here. Additional reporting on the identities of the Iranian leaders and scientists can be found in Time’s overview of those killed.
Final Thoughts
When Israel attacked Iran on June 13, 2025, it crossed a red line—transforming what had been covert conflict into open warlike confrontation. This strike—extensive, targeted, and layered—represents a new era in the Israel-Iran confrontation. The immediate suspension of nuclear diplomacy, the escalation of drone retaliation, and the global shockwaves demand urgent international attention. The next steps—be they diplomatic pressure, military retaliation, or proxy escalation—will shape the future of Middle East stability.