On June 13, 2025, the world woke up to news of Israel launching a major military operation against Iran, called “Operation Rising Lion”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced it as a “targeted” effort to stop Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel sees as a threat to its survival. The operation began with airstrikes hitting key nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility and targets in Tehran. Explosions echoed across Iran’s capital, and reports suggest significant damage and loss of life, including top Iranian commanders and scientists. This bold move has raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, with Iran vowing to retaliate. Global leaders are watching closely, and countries like India have issued safety advisories for their citizens in the region. We’re bringing you live updates as this story unfolds, piecing together the latest reports from trusted sources to keep you informed on this escalating situation.
Background: Why Operation Rising Lion Started
Israel’s decision to launch Operation Rising Lion didn’t come out of nowhere. For years, tensions between Israel and Iran have simmered over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israel has long argued that Iran’s uranium enrichment could lead to nuclear weapons, a direct threat to its existence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, said Iran had crossed a “red line” by moving closer to weaponizing enriched uranium. He called the strikes “preemptive” to stop Iran from reaching a “point of no return.” Recent intelligence, according to Israeli officials, suggested Iran was coordinating with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas for a multi-front attack, adding urgency to the operation. The strikes targeted key sites like Natanz and military bases, aiming to cripple Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Netanyahu stressed the operation would continue “as long as it takes” to remove the threat, signaling a prolonged campaign. This bold move has sparked debates about its timing and consequences, with the world now bracing for Iran’s response.
Israel’s Stated Goals
Israel’s main goal with Operation Rising Lion is to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Netanyahu said the strikes hit Iran’s “nuclear heart,” targeting enrichment facilities and scientists. The operation also aims to weaken Iran’s military by hitting commanders and missile sites.
Iran’s Nuclear Program: A Long-Standing Issue
Iran’s nuclear program has been a global concern for decades. The Natanz facility, a key target, is central to uranium enrichment. Israel claims Iran could produce enough material for 15 nuclear bombs in days, escalating fears of a regional arms race.
The Strikes: What Happened on June 13, 2025
In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israeli jets roared into Iranian airspace, catching Tehran off guard. The operation, dubbed Rising Lion, targeted nuclear sites like Natanz and military bases across the country. Explosions lit up the skies in Tehran, with Iranian state media confirming fires and damage at key facilities. Reports indicate Israel struck the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz, though the deeper underground sections may have been harder to hit. High-ranking Iranian officials, including Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Hossein Salami, were reportedly killed, along with nuclear scientists Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi. Israel’s military called it a “historic campaign” to neutralize an “existential threat.” The strikes were precise but caused civilian casualties, with residential buildings in Tehran destroyed. Air-raid sirens blared across Israel as the nation braced for retaliation. The world is now watching to see how this dramatic escalation plays out.
Key Targets Hit
The Natanz nuclear facility was a primary target, with reports of fires at its above-ground structures. Military bases and command centers in Tehran were also struck, along with missile production sites. The loss of key figures like IRGC chief Salami was a major blow.
Casualties and Damage Reported
Iranian media reported civilian deaths, including families in Tehran. A residential building housing scientist Tehranchi was destroyed, killing his wife and child. The extent of damage at Natanz remains unclear, but operations there are likely disrupted.
Iran’s Response: Vows of Retaliation
Iran didn’t stay quiet after the strikes. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel’s actions “malicious” and promised a “harsh response.” State media reported that Iran is preparing a counterattack, possibly involving ballistic missiles. The loss of top military leaders and scientists has fueled anger, with Iran blaming the U.S. for supporting Israel, despite U.S. officials denying involvement. Iran’s announcement of a new uranium enrichment facility just before the strikes may have provoked Israel’s response. Now, Iran’s military is on high alert, and analysts warn of potential escalation involving Iran’s proxies like Hezbollah. Posts on X reflect growing tensions, with some users predicting a broader conflict. Iran’s next move could shape the region’s future, and the world is holding its breath to see if diplomacy or further violence will follow.
Khamenei’s Statement
Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the strikes, vowing that Israel and its “sworn enemies” would face consequences. He called the attack a sign of Israel’s “desperation” and urged Iranians to stay united.
Potential for Counterattacks
Iran’s military capabilities, including ballistic missiles, could target Israel or U.S. interests in the region. Experts worry about coordinated attacks through groups like Hezbollah or Hamas, escalating the conflict.
Global Reactions: A World on Edge
The international community reacted swiftly to Operation Rising Lion. The U.S., while denying involvement, issued warnings through Secretary of State Marco Rubio for Iran not to target American interests. India issued travel advisories, urging its citizens in Israel and Iran to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement. Other nations, including the UK and Russia, are monitoring the situation, with fears of a wider Middle East conflict. The UN atomic watchdog, which recently censured Iran over its nuclear program, is under pressure to respond. Posts on X show mixed sentiments—some praise Israel’s decisive action, while others warn of rising anti-Semitism and regional instability. Global leaders are calling for calm, but the lack of clear diplomatic channels between Israel and Iran makes de-escalation tricky. The world is watching to see if this sparks a broader war.
U.S. Stance
The U.S. clarified it had no role in the strikes, with President Trump having called for diplomacy hours before. Rubio’s warning to Iran suggests Washington is preparing for possible fallout.
India’s Advisory
India’s government urged its citizens in Israel and Iran to follow local safety protocols and avoid non-essential travel, reflecting concerns about escalating violence in the region.
Israel’s Strategy: A Prolonged Campaign
Israel’s military leaders, including IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, described Operation Rising Lion as a “fateful campaign” to ensure the country’s survival. Netanyahu emphasized that the strikes would continue “for as many days as it takes” to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities. The operation builds on Israel’s recent successes, like weakening Syria’s regime, and is backed by intelligence suggesting Iran was nearing a nuclear breakthrough. The IDF has warned citizens to prepare for prolonged sheltering due to expected Iranian retaliation. The strategy is bold but risky, as it could provoke a multi-front conflict involving Iran’s allies. Posts on X highlight Israel’s confidence, with some users calling the strikes a “game-changer.” However, the long-term success of this campaign depends on Iran’s response and international pressure.
IDF’s Role and Statements
The IDF, led by Eyal Zamir, framed the operation as a historic effort to protect Israel. Zamir emphasized the “Zionist spirit” driving the campaign, urging citizens to stay resilient.
Netanyahu’s Long-Term Plan
Netanyahu’s plan is to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat permanently. He cited past Holocaust fears, vowing Israel would never again face such a threat. The operation may extend beyond initial strikes.
Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Program
The strikes on Natanz and other nuclear sites have disrupted Iran’s nuclear ambitions, at least temporarily. The above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz reportedly caught fire, though the underground sections may be less damaged. The deaths of scientists like Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi are significant losses for Iran’s program. Analysts say even partial damage could set back enrichment efforts by months or years. However, Iran’s determination to rebuild, especially after announcing a new facility, raises questions about the long-term impact. The operation also targeted missile production, limiting Iran’s ability to retaliate with advanced weaponry. The world is waiting for clearer reports on the damage, but for now, Israel’s strikes have dealt a heavy blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Damage to Natanz
Fires and explosions hit Natanz’s above-ground facilities, disrupting uranium enrichment. The underground Fuel Enrichment Plant is harder to damage, but operations are likely stalled.
Loss of Key Scientists
The deaths of nuclear scientists Tehranchi and Abbasi weaken Iran’s expertise. Their loss could delay research, though Iran may have others ready to step in.
Civilian Impact: The Human Cost
The strikes weren’t just military—they hit civilians, too. In Tehran, residential buildings were destroyed, including one housing scientist Tehranchi’s family, killing his wife and child. Iranian media reported other civilian deaths, though exact numbers are unclear. The destruction has sparked outrage, with Iran’s state media broadcasting images of burning buildings and rescue efforts. Posts on X describe the devastation, with some users sharing unverified footage of the aftermath. In Israel, citizens are sheltering as air-raid sirens warn of possible retaliation. The human toll on both sides is growing, and the emotional impact is fueling calls for revenge in Iran and fear in Israel. This tragedy underscores the high stakes of the conflict and the urgent need for de-escalation.
Civilian Deaths in Tehran
Residential areas in Tehran suffered heavy damage, with families caught in the crossfire. The loss of Tehranchi’s wife and child has become a symbol of the civilian cost.
Israel’s Home Front Preparations
Israel activated air-raid sirens and urged citizens to stay in shelters, expecting Iranian counterattacks. The IDF is preparing for a prolonged conflict, urging calm but readiness.
Regional Implications: A Wider Conflict?
Operation Rising Lion could reshape the Middle East. Iran’s allies, like Hezbollah and Hamas, may join the fight, creating a multi-front war. Israel’s recent victories, such as weakening Syria’s regime, give it confidence, but the risk of escalation is high. Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and proxy networks could target Israel or U.S. bases in the region. Posts on X speculate about a broader conflict, with some users fearing a “World War III” scenario. The operation also strains U.S.-Iran relations, despite Washington’s non-involvement. Global oil markets are jittery, with fears of disrupted supplies. The region is on edge, and the next few days will be critical in determining whether this stays a targeted campaign or spirals into something bigger.
Role of Iran’s Proxies
Iran may activate groups like Hezbollah or Hamas to strike Israel from Lebanon or Gaza, complicating the conflict. Intelligence suggests Iran was already planning such moves.
Economic and Oil Market Concerns
The strikes have raised fears of oil supply disruptions, as Iran is a key producer. Global markets are reacting, with potential price spikes looming if tensions escalate further.
What’s Next: The Road Ahead
As Operation Rising Lion continues, the world is bracing for what comes next. Israel vows to keep striking until Iran’s nuclear threat is gone, but Iran’s promised retaliation could change the game. Diplomacy seems far off, with no clear backchannel between the two nations. The U.S. and other powers are urging restraint, but their influence is limited. Posts on X show a mix of support for Israel and fears of a wider war. The coming days will test Israel’s strategy and Iran’s resilience. Will this be a turning point for the Middle East, or the start of a bigger conflict? We’ll keep updating you as new developments emerge, so stay tuned for the latest on this critical story.
Prospects for Diplomacy
Efforts to de-escalate are slim, as Israel and Iran lack direct talks. The U.S. and UN may try to mediate, but success is uncertain given the heightened tensions.
Potential for Escalation
Iran’s vowed retaliation, possibly with missiles or proxies, could lead to a broader war. Israel’s prolonged campaign increases the risk, with the region on high alert.
