Israel Strikes Iran’s Military and Nuclear Sites in ‘Rising Lion’

Jorge L.
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Israel Strikes Iran’s Military and Nuclear Sites in 'Rising Lion'
photo via @israeliairforce / Instagram

Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran on June 13, a large-scale air and ground campaign aimed at the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and military infrastructure. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed over 200 fighter jets and conducted strikes on more than 100 locations, including Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment site, missile facilities, and air-defense systems. Simultaneously, Mossad agents operated inside Iran, using drones and explosives to disable radar installations and key launch sites.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that Israeli strikes killed several senior leaders. These included Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, and Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. Aerospace Force commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh was also among the dead, along with nuclear scientists Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Iranian authorities reported 78 civilian deaths and more than 329 injuries, mainly in Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Republic military launched over 100 drones at Israel. Joint Israeli, Jordanian, and Saudi air defenses intercepted most of the drones. The Iranian government called the Israeli operation a “declaration of war” and suspended ongoing nuclear negotiations with the West.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

A senior Iranian official told Reuters, “The response to the Israeli attack will be harsh and decisive… details of Iran’s retaliation are being discussed at the highest levels.”

Highlights:

  • 200+ Israeli fighter jets struck 100+ Iranian sites
  • Mossad sabotaged radar and missile facilities inside Iran
  • Senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists confirmed dead
  • 78 civilian deaths, 329 injuries in Tehran
  • 100+ Iranian drones launched; most intercepted
  • Oil prices surged up to 11%; Dow futures dropped ~600 points
  • UN urged restraint; global reactions divided

Oil Prices Rise

Following the strikes, global markets reacted swiftly. Oil prices rose by 7 to 11 percent, while Dow Jones futures fell by approximately 600 points.

Israel justified the strikes by citing Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, which had reached roughly 60%, near weapons-grade. Although the United States provided intelligence support, it did not participate in the strikes.

The United Nations called for restraint. Meanwhile, other world leaders issued varied reactions—some warning of further escalation, others supporting Israel’s security concerns.

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