Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites in Operation Rising Lion
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Yasmin Alta
- . June 13, 2025
- . Update: June 13, 2025 7:59 pm
Early Friday, Israeli forces attacked Iranian nuclear targets and military installations in a highly explosive development in the Middle East tensions. The Israel Defense Forces revealed that it conducted preemptive airstrikes against the nuclear program and military facilities of Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of “Operation Rising Lion” by calling the operation a necessity in regards to Israeli national security. According to the Israeli military statements, the operation was specifically aimed at conquering uranium enrichment facilities as well as ballistic missile development sites of Iran.
Netanyahu had been warning that it would only take months before Iran could develop nuclear weapons, which explained the urgent military action. The Israeli prime minister highlighted that the bombings were meant to ensure that Tehran does not gain the capability of having nuclear weapons, and thus the operation was positioned as a preemptive strike against an imminent threat.
Military Operations Target Key Iranian Assets
This combined assault was composed of some 200 Israeli fighter aircraft striking various strategic locations within Iran. Primarily, it targeted the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility that has been the center of uranium processing in Iran.
According to Israeli defense sources, the Natanz nuclear installations in Iran were seriously damaged during the attacks. The operation also included the strike on Iranian military commanders and scientists involved with the nuclear program, dealing a major blow to the strategic options of Tehran.
International Response and Diplomatic Implications
Officials of the Trump administration affirmed that Israel had taken unilateral action without the support of the U.S. military. The timing is especially important because Washington had been seeking diplomatic talks with Iran over nuclear restrictions.
President Trump had earlier threatened of a possible “massive conflict” in the Middle East, but his administration did not get close to the Israeli operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated American non-involvement as he re-stated American support of Israeli self-defense.
Iranian Retaliation and Regional Security
In response to the attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, vowed harsh revenge, which increased tensions regarding regional escalation. Aviation authorities declared emergency restrictions and airlines cancelled flights to Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan.
The Iranian retaliation involved the deployment of about 100 drones in the direction of Israel, but Israeli defense mechanisms shot down the incoming danger. The state media in Tehran acknowledged the loss of lives of senior military officers and nuclear scientists.
The attacks were over, continued international suspicion of the nuclear program in Iran. Non-proliferation treaty obligation violations. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently found Iran guilty of limiting inspections and stockpiling highly enriched uranium in violation of its non-proliferation treaty obligations.
Iran insists that its nuclear program is purely peaceful and inclined towards civilian application, but Israel says that past Iranian deceit rules out any other option other than military action to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. This is the core conflict that has been the source of tension and diplomacy in the region over the years.
