NEW DELHI: Escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a large-scale military operation—dubbed Operation Rising Lion today. The strikes, described by Prime Minister Netanyahu as a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” hit Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile sites, and high-ranking officials. Dozens of senior Iranian commanders and scientists were killed, while Iran responded by launching over 100 drones toward Israeli airspace.
The operation commenced around 3 AM local time with approximately 200 Israeli fighter jets—including F‑35s—dropping more than 330 munitions across over 100 targets in Natanz, Tehran, Isfahan, Arak, Kermanshah, and other strategic sites. The IDF confirmed the Natanz uranium enrichment facility was struck, though the IAEA later reported no radiation increase. Iran’s Bavar‑373 air defense system is said to have intercepted many missiles, but significant damage to the Revolutionary Guard headquarters and residential zones occurred.
Israel reportedly destroyed dozens of radar systems and surface-to-air missile launchers, including at least four S‑300 batteries. Covert actions by Mossad in 2024 involving “Blue Sparrow” missiles and sabotage of air defenses paved the way for Tuesday’s strikes.
Human Toll: Top Commanders and Scientists Eliminated
Officials confirmed the deaths of at least 20 senior Iranian military figures, notably IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami, Aerospace Forces head Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri. Six nuclear scientists were also killed, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, mirroring Israel’s historical targeted campaigns against Iranian nuclear experts. Civilian casualties remain unverified.
Following the attack, Iran launched drones toward Israel, which the IDF says intercepted. Supreme Leader Khamenei condemned the attack as a “crime” deserving “severe punishment,” while President Pezeshkian called for national unity and vowed a “powerful response.”
The assault disrupted civilian routines: explosions shook Tabriz and Tehran’s airport, and Iran closed its airspace. UAE-based airlines canceled flights to Iran and surrounding regions. Global oil markets responded swiftly, sending Brent crude prices soaring above $73 per barrel, up roughly 13%.
Link to the June 9 MeK Nuclear Document Leak
This operation followed a June 9 leak of classified Iranian nuclear documents by MeK, revealing detailed blueprints and personnel records. Many analysts believe this intelligence directly informed the strikes on Natanz and other nuclear sites, drawing parallels to past intelligence-driven operations in Russia and Ukraine.
Israel’s preemptive rationale focuses on halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions amid reports of nearly 400 kg of enriched uranium. Analysts warn the strike may spur Iran to accelerate its nuclear program or target U.S. assets, raising fears of a wider regional war. Experts also caution that fortified sites like Fordow may require more operations, complicating the landscape.
Digital Intelligence Breaches as Catalysts
Like the Russian nuclear-leak in May 2025 and NATO-Ukrainian intelligence operations, the MeK leak underscores how digital vulnerabilities can precipitate physical conflict. Detailed leaks enable precision strikes, amplifying the risks inherent in digital intelligence breaches.
As Operation ”Rising Lion” continues at Netanyahu’s direction, the Middle East stands on the brink of broader war. Iran’s drone offensive and missile options, combined with potential proxy actions by Hezbollah or others, threaten to draw in global powers. The IAEA and international diplomats warn of grave consequences, urging urgent de-escalation.
