On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a major military operation called Operation Rising Lion. Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and important military targets in Tehran and Isfahan. They hit the Natanz nuclear site and killed top Iranian military leaders, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Major General Hossein Salami, and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel acted because Iran has enough highly enriched uranium to build nuclear weapons. He said Iran is actively pursuing nuclear arms. The operation aims to stop Iran from gaining weapons that could threaten Israel’s security.
Iran condemned the attacks and promised a strong response. The Iranian government announced it will open a third uranium enrichment plant. It also plans to continue its nuclear program, ignoring international warnings. Recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticized Iran for breaking nuclear agreements for the first time in 20 years.
The United States expressed concern about rising tensions. President Donald Trump warned that a “massive conflict” could happen if nuclear talks fail. He stressed the importance of diplomacy. Still, he said an Israeli strike might happen due to Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.
Operation Rising Lion marks a sharp rise in conflict between Israel and Iran. It could affect peace efforts and stability in the region.
