Israel Launches Operation Rising Lion Against Iranian Nuclear Sites

On June 13, 2025, Benjamin Netanyahu authorized Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale preemptive military campaign targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. Utilizing over 200 aircraft and drones smuggled into the country by Mossad, Israel struck the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, the Fordow site, and a research center in Isfahan. The strikes killed approximately 78 people, including high-ranking officials such as IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, as well as nine nuclear scientists.

Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise 3, launching hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While most were intercepted by Israeli and U.S. air defenses, the barrages caused at least three deaths and dozens of injuries in Israel, with significant damage reported in Rishon LeZion and Ramat Gan. In response, Israel expanded its campaign to include energy infrastructure, striking the South Pars gas field in Bushehr Province.

The escalation caused a global financial shock, with crude oil prices surging over 10% and major stock indices in the U.S. and Asia plummeting. The conflict also led to the cancellation of a sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled in Oman. While the Government of the United States denied direct involvement in the initial strikes, President Donald Trump praised the operation as "excellent" and urged Iran to reach a nuclear deal to avoid further "brutal" attacks. International bodies, including the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency, called for maximum restraint to avoid a regional war.