Israel Launches Major Airstrike on Iran Nuclear, Military Sites

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," a significant pre-emptive strike against Iran's nuclear and military facilities, including the uranium enrichment site at Natanz and Revolutionary Guard Corps garrisons, marking a strategic escalation in regional tensions. The operation involved extensive coordination with Mossad and resulted in the deaths of several IRGC officials and nuclear scientists, though Iran has not confirmed all casualties. In response, Iran declared the attack a declaration of war and launched over 100 drones toward Israeli cities, many intercepted by Israeli defense systems, while Hezbollah and Houthi rebels threatened retaliatory strikes, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Iran reaffirmed its commitment to its nuclear program, framing the attack as a challenge to its sovereignty and scientific progress. The conflict underscores deeper issues of nuclear balance and geopolitical brinkmanship in West Asia, with Israel shifting from containment to direct military action against Iran’s nuclear capabilities. This escalation has caused panic among civilians and heightened fears of broader instability in the region.