Israel launched a wave of targeted airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory on June 12, officially marking the beginning of Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale military operation intended to “roll back the Iranian threat” to Israel’s security.
The announcement came in a nationally televised address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared the strikes essential to the nation’s survival. In his unequivocal message, Netanyahu said, “Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Moments ago, Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion”, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.
This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.
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Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: pic.twitter.com/XgUTy90g1S
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 13, 2025
Broad, Coordinated Assault on Strategic Iranian Assets
According to Israel Defence Forces (IDF) officials, the airstrikes targeted a range of Iranian military and nuclear sites, including suspected uranium enrichment facilities, missile depots, and Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centres. The operation, as per IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin, was described as a “broad and coordinated offensive” aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities.
“This operation will continue as long as necessary, until we complete the mission,” Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated in a subsequent statement.
‘Preemptive Strikes’ and Heightened Military Readiness
Israel’s Defence Minister framed the strikes as “preemptive”, asserting that the operation was necessary to deter a rapidly growing existential threat. Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi declared that the Israeli military was fully mobilised along all national borders.
A statement from IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin on the preemptive Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear targets pic.twitter.com/IJNT5LXz6o
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025
“We are prepared across all borders. I warn that anyone who will try to challenge us will pay a heavy price,” Lt. Gen. Halevi warned, signaling readiness for broader regional escalation.
Iran Caught Off Guard, Airspace Security Questioned
Iran was reportedly unprepared for the scale and precision of the strikes. Iranian state media, including Tasnim News Agency, confirmed that flights at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport were suspended following the attacks. While the airport itself was not directly hit, Iranian authorities grounded air traffic as a precautionary measure.
Defence analysts say the Iranian regime’s inability to intercept Israeli aircraft or missiles raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Iran’s air defence systems.
Longstanding Red Lines and Nuclear Fears
Israel has long warned it would take unilateral military action if Iran crossed certain nuclear thresholds. With recent IAEA reports confirming Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium at levels approaching weapons-grade, the latest offensive is seen as a culmination of years of mounting concern in Israeli defence circles.
Netanyahu’s administration has also grown increasingly frustrated by what it perceives as insufficient international pressure on Tehran.
Global Fallout and U.S. Distance from the Operation
The operation unfolds as the Trump administration, now back in power, continues its attempts to revive diplomatic talks with Tehran. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly held five rounds of indirect negotiations with Iranian officials in recent months, seeking to limit Iran’s nuclear activities under a new framework.
However, there is no indication that the United States was involved in the Israeli operation. U.S. officials have declined to comment publicly on whether Washington was briefed in advance.
What’s Next?
As Operation Rising Lion continues, questions loom about Iran’s response. While Tehran has not yet officially retaliated, analysts fear the strikes may trigger asymmetric warfare from Iran’s network of regional proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq and Syria.
Despite international appeals for restraint, Netanyahu’s stance remains resolute.
“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” he said, underscoring Israel’s intent to persist until Iran’s nuclear threat is, in his words, “rolled back.”
With the Middle East once again on the brink, the world watches anxiously as Operation Rising Lion unfolds, a high-stakes gamble with consequences that could reshape the region’s future.
