Operation Rising Lion 2025: Israel’s large-scale airstrike campaign on Iran’s nuclear and military sites marks a turning point in Middle East tensions, with significant defence and diplomatic implications.
Scope and Strategy of the Operation
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, involving over 200 fighter jets that struck more than 100 pre-selected sites across Iran—targeting nuclear enrichment facilities (Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan), missile launch pads, air-defense systems, IRGC command centers, and executive offices of senior military persons
The operation combined long-range airstrikes using F‑35I, F‑16, and F‑15 aircraft with low-cost precision munitions (JDAMs and SPICE bombs), reducing risks and costs while achieving high accuracy
Decapitation of Leadership & Covert Mossad Role
Multiple senior IRGC figures were killed, including Major Generals Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri, along with top nuclear scientists such as Fereydoon Abbasi Covert operations by Mossad—like drone cache deployment and saboteurs inside Iran—enabled the air campaign by disabling missile infrastructure and radars ahead of the strikes
Iran’s Massive Retaliation
Iran responded swiftly, launching more than 370 ballistic missiles and hundreds of Shahed-136 drones into Israel. Most missiles were intercepted, but they caused civilian casualties (24 killed, ~590 injured) and strained Israeli air defenses like Iron Dome and Arrow‑3 systems
Strategic and Global Implications
Israel’s display of air dominance significantly impacted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile capabilities. Yet, Iran’s missile inventory is still being depleted, while Israel’s air defense costs rise
The strikes imperil ongoing U.S.–Iran diplomatic negotiations and risk broader regional escalation, drawing international calls for restraint
Why This News Is Important
Relevance for Exam Aspirants
This operation closely aligns with topics in defence strategy, international relations, nuclear security, and Middle East affairs—crucial areas for competitive exams like CSAT, UPSC, CDS, and state-level/central services.
Strategic vs. Asymmetric Warfare
It showcases the blending of air power with low-cost precision munitions, and the integration of covert sabotage with overt military strikes—an important case study in modern warfare evolution for exams.
Implications for Global Diplomacy
The escalation has ramifications for global diplomacy, especially with the U.S. positioning and its impact on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) discussions—vital when analyzing recent international relations.
Defence Economics and Military Logistics
Understanding the financial and logistical implications of prolonged reliance on expensive missile defense systems (Iron Dome, Arrow‑3) vs. cost-effective strike alternatives fosters insight into sustainable defence practices.
Historical Context
Background to Israel–Iran Tensions
Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Iran’s nuclear program, especially developments at Natanz and Fordow, triggered global concern and led to the 2015 JCPOA. Israel has consistently opposed any Iranian nuclear capability.
Earlier Strikes and Covert Campaigns
Since the mid-2010s, operations like the Stuxnet cyberattack and targeted airstrikes in 2024 (Operation Days of Repentance) have repeatedly disrupted Iran’s nuclear and missile programs
Shift in Tactics: Hybrid Warfare
Operation Rising Lion marks a shift: blending intelligence, covert sabotage, and low-cost precise aerial bombardment—a hybrid approach differing from older large-scale missile offensives.
Strategic Goals
Israel aims not just to degrade nuclear infrastructure but to erode Iran’s operational command (through targeted killings) while avoiding full occupation—signaling a strategy focused on strategic containment, not regime change
Key Takeaways from “Operation Rising Lion”
| 🔢 | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Operation Rising Lion involved over 200 Israeli jets striking 100+ targets across Iran on June 13, 2025. |
| 2 | Precision strikes eliminated senior IRGC leaders and nuclear scientists, including Hossein Salami and Fereydoon Abbasi. |
| 3 | Israel leveraged cost-effective JDAM and SPICE bombs combined with air superiority and stealth tactics. |
| 4 | Iran retaliated with 370+ ballistic missiles and drone attacks, causing civilian casualties and straining Israeli defenses. |
| 5 | The operation raises serious implications for the global nuclear non‑proliferation regime, regional stability, and US‑Iran diplomatic efforts. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Operation Rising Lion?
Operation Rising Lion is a large-scale Israeli airstrike campaign launched on June 13, 2025, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. The operation involved over 200 fighter jets striking more than 100 sites in Iran.
2. Which locations in Iran were targeted during the operation?
Major nuclear enrichment facilities such as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan were targeted, along with missile launch bases, IRGC command centers, and air-defense installations.
3. Who were the key figures killed in the Israeli strikes?
Senior IRGC commanders like Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri were reportedly killed, along with top nuclear scientists including Fereydoon Abbasi.
4. How did Iran respond to Israel’s Operation Rising Lion?
Iran launched over 370 ballistic missiles and hundreds of Shahed-136 drones towards Israel in retaliation. While most were intercepted, there were casualties and infrastructural damage on the Israeli side.
5. What is the significance of this operation in international relations?
The operation has escalated tensions in the Middle East, jeopardized U.S.–Iran diplomacy over nuclear issues, and brought global attention to hybrid warfare tactics combining intelligence, covert sabotage, and air power.
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