'Operation Rising Lion': Isreali Military Offensive Against Iran's Nuclear Sites

Operation Rising Lion is the codename for the Israeli military offensive launched on 13 June 2025, aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military capabilities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed that Iran is nearing the point of no return in the race for nuclear weapons, and its attack is to protect itself in the region.

𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗: 𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀

Recent intelligence shows Iran is nearing the point of no return in its race toward a nuclear weapon. The regime is producing thousands of kilograms of enriched uranium, alongside decentralized and fortified… pic.twitter.com/my6mVB7rOI

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025

In a statement later on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel had taken “unilateral” action against Iran and that the United States had not been involved.

Read also: ‘Israel Sealed A Bitter And Painful Destiny For Itself’: Ayatollah Khamenei

Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami was assassinated in one of the Israeli strikes.

Key Highlights:

• It involved coordinated airstrikes on Tehran, Natanz enrichment facilities, missile sites, military housing, and key leadership residences—carried out by the IDF and Mossad. 

• Explosions erupted across Tehran, with Iran confirming strikes on Revolutionary Guard command centers and the Natanz facility. Several explosions also took place at Iran’s Natanz nuclear plant in Bushehr.

• High-profile casualties were reported, including IRGC head Hossein Salami, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, and several nuclear scientists.

• Prime Minister Netanyahu stated it would continue “as many days as it takes” to dismantle Iran’s nuclear threat.

• In retaliation, Iran reportedly launched drone and missile strikes toward Israel and warned that the U.S. would be responsible for any fallout.