On June 12–13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, conducting airstrikes on over 100 locations across Iran. Targets included nuclear facilities, missile sites, and the residences of senior commanders like Maj. Gen. Salami and Gen. Bagheri, along with several nuclear.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a “decisive” preemptive action aimed at halting Iran’s near-term nuclear weapon capabilities .
🎯 Iranian Retaliation Begins
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Within hours, Iran retaliated by launching over 100 drones and missiles toward Israel. Most were intercepted by the IDF, Iron Dome, and regional defense systems.
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Despite Iran’s warning of “severe punishment,” no confirmed Israeli casualties were reported; regional airspace was closed and oil markets spiked amid the escalation.
🌐 Global Reaction & Risks
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The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no significant radiation was released from the strikes.
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The United States, while not involved directly, has pledged continued support for Israel and urged restraint amid fears of a wider Middle East war.
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Concerns are rising—this is already the most extensive Israeli strike on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War, raising the risk of regional conflict.
🧭 Why This Matters
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Israel's bold, large-scale attack marks a historic escalation in the long-running shadow war with Iran, stepping far beyond selective strikes .
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The swift drone-based retaliation underscores the volatile tit-for-tat nature of this conflict—raising the possibility of broader involvement from regional and world powers .
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Hit to Iran’s nuclear facilities and leadership is a strategic blow, but Iran signaled it may enact a “calibrated response” to avoid triggering a full-blown war.
