Operation Rising Lion: Inside Israel’s Largest Strike on Iran Yet

Introduction

Israel has initiated "Operation Rising Lion," a comprehensive military operation that targets more than 100 Iranian nuclear and military sites, in a major and unprecedented escalation of Middle East hostilities. The operation, which was carried out by Mossad and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is the biggest Israeli strike against Iran to date and aims to destroy Tehran's military facilities and nuclear aspirations. The region is on the brink of a potential wider battle, and the entire globe is keeping a careful eye on it.

This blog entry explores Operation Rising Lion's beginnings, implementation, geopolitical effects, and potential future ramifications.

The Origins of Operation Rising Lion

Over the previous 20 years, the foundation for Operation Rising Lion was laid. Iran having nuclear weapons has always been seen by Israel as an existential threat. Iran's nuclear capabilities were intended to be limited through diplomatic negotiations such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was agreed in 2015. However, the agreement fell apart after the United States withdrew under President Donald Trump in 2018.

Israeli intelligence had accumulated concerning data by early 2025: Iran had greatly accelerated its uranium enrichment and was getting close to weapons-grade levels. Suspicions were validated when sophisticated centrifuges were found at Natanz and secret missile caches in Esfahan. Under tremendous pressure from both domestic and foreign sources, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet decided that preventative action was required.

Execution of the Operation

Operation Rising Lion started with synchronized airstrikes, cyberattacks, and drone invasions early on June 13, 2025. There were three main stages to the operation:

Precision Strikes: Israeli fighter jets, including F-35s, and long-range drones hit nuclear sites in Fordow, Arak, and Natanz. against the same time, bombs were fired against military barracks, armament warehouses, and radar stations in Esfahan and Tehran.
Cyber Warfare: The cyber forces of Unit 8200 disrupted Iran's air defense systems, destroyed strategic regions, and wreaked havoc on military communication networks.
High-Profile Targets:Targeting senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials' residences reportedly resulted in the deaths of two of Iran's most powerful military leaders, General Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami.

Hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles and around 50 aircraft participated in the roughly six-hour operation.

Iran's Response

Iran didn't take long to reply. The Islamic Republic launched more than 100 drones onto Israeli land in a matter of hours, but Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defensive systems were able to intercept many of them. Additionally, Iran organized its regional proxies:

Hezbollah fired rockets from southern Lebanon.
Houthis in Yemen threatened maritime routes in the Red Sea.
Militia groups in Iraq targeted U.S. and Israeli-affiliated bases.

A state of emergency was proclaimed by Tehran, which also promised "severe retaliation." In a statement, the Revolutionary Guard referred to Operation Rising Lion as an act of war.

International Reactions

The response around the world has been conflicted, with some urging caution and others condemning and supporting:

United States: Although not directly participating, the United States admitted to previously exchanging intelligence with Israel. While urging composure, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for Israel's right to self-defense.
European Union: Called for an emergency UN Security Council session, urging diplomatic dialogue.
Russia and China: denounced Israel's conduct and charged it with causing instability in the area.
Arab States: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates made cautious remarks that implied tacit agreement of the operation without denouncing or endorsing it. Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq all strongly denounced the strike.

According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Middle East was "on the precipice of a regional war with global consequences."

Economic Fallout

The markets responded to the escalation quickly:

Oil Prices: spiked more than 12%, surpassing the $100/barrel threshold, prompting concerns about global energy security and inflation.
Gold and Safe Assets:As investors looked for safe havens, gold prices rose sharply.
Stock Markets: In the face of growing uncertainty, global indices fell precipitously, particularly in Asia and Europe.

The military increased its surveillance of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint that transports one-third of the world's oil.

Geopolitical Implications

1. Shift in Regional Power Dynamics

Israel has regained control of the region after Operation Rising Lion was carried out successfully. It makes it abundantly evident to Tehran and its supporters that the Jewish state will take unilateral action if required.

2. End of the JCPOA Dream

The nuclear agreement, which was already fragile, is probably no longer in effect. It might take years for diplomatic lines to reopen after Iranian nuclear installations were wrecked and important officials were lost.

3. Proxy Wars Intensify

Iran is unlikely to engage Israel in direct combat in a major conflict. Rather, it is anticipated that proxy assaults would increase in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and possibly cyberwarfare worldwide.

Public Sentiment in Israel and Iran

Public opinion in Israel is divided. Some dread protracted confrontation, while many applaud the government's prompt action to guarantee national security. In Tel Aviv, anti-war protests have broken out, and locals are demanding diplomatic solutions.

The atmosphere in Iran is one of anger and grief. In the streets, military officers' funerals drew sizable crowds. It has been guaranteed that Ayatollah Khamenei will exact "revenge that will be remembered for generations."

Expert Opinions

Dr. Alon Ben-Meir, Middle East Policy Expert:

"Israel has made significant bets. Although this effort might buy time, there could be serious long-term effects, particularly if Iran rebuilds.

Farnaz Fassihi, Iran Analyst:

"This attack will further polarize the Iranian government. The nuclear program might now become fully militarized and underground.

What Comes Next?

The next few weeks are crucial. The region might turn to backchannel diplomacy or spiral into more conflict. Crucial elements to observe include:

U.S. and EU mediation efforts
Activity from Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies
New Iranian nuclear developments
Israeli domestic political fallout

The world holds its breath for now.

Conclusion

One of the pivotal events in the modern history of the Middle East was Operation Rising Lion. The future is still unclear even if Israel has successfully neutralized important Iranian assets. The reactions of Tehran and the international community will determine whether this audacious approach deters or sparks more turmoil. There is no denying that the geopolitical chessboard has been upended.