- By: Dr. Muhammad Tayyab Khan Singhanvi, Ph.D)
On the early morning of June 13, 2025, Israel launched a highly unusual and large-scale aerial assault against Iran, codenamed Operation Rising Lion. Approximately 200 Israeli fighter jets targeted various sensitive Iranian locations, including nuclear facilities, military bases, ballistic missile depots, and command centers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation began at around 4:00 AM local time, when explosions were heard in Tehran, Natanz, Isfahan, Khondab, Kermanshah, Khorramabad, and several other cities.
The most significant damage was inflicted on the nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. According to Israeli sources, while the uranium enrichment center in Natanz was not completely destroyed, its operational capacity was severely impacted. Initially, Iranian authorities attempted to downplay the scale of the attack. However, foreign media, independent satellite imagery, and confirmation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that multiple facilities had been completely disabled.
Among those killed in the strikes were senior IRGC commander General Hossein Salami, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces General Mohammad Bagheri, Aerospace Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and several key members of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Notably, prominent nuclear scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Fereydoon Abbasi, were also killed. Their deaths mark a significant blow to Iran’s strategic nuclear and defense programs.
In swift retaliation, Iran launched nearly 100 drones toward Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli defense systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the attack an “act of war” and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “painful revenge” against Israel.
The United States denied direct involvement, calling the attack a sovereign action by Israel, though the U.S. President reiterated full support for Israel’s right to self-defense. Russia and China condemned the Israeli strike, calling it a deliberate attempt to destabilize the Middle East. Meanwhile, the European Union urged all parties to exercise restraint. Regional powers like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar expressed deep concern and appealed to both sides to avoid further escalation.
Global financial markets reacted sharply. Crude oil prices surged by up to 8%, and gold prices also spiked. International air travel was disrupted as Iran, Iraq, and several neighboring countries temporarily closed their airspace.
Israeli sources claim that the operation was months in the making, based on advanced intelligence and Mossad-led covert efforts. According to them, the strike has set back Iran’s nuclear program by at least five years. However, some analysts disagree, suggesting that the attack might push Iran to accelerate its nuclear weapons development, given the severe blow to its sense of national security.
Iran-backed groups in the region such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various Iraqi militias have issued strong statements condemning Israel, though none have initiated large-scale military actions so far. Nonetheless, analysts warn that if Iran launches a full-fledged retaliatory strike or Israel escalates further, the Middle East could descend into a major war.
Inside Iran, the situation remains tense and uncertain. Public outrage has erupted across cities like Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom, where massive protests have taken place, with chants against the U.S. and Israel. The Iranian government has confirmed the deaths of several top military and nuclear officials, declaring them martyrs and announcing a national period of mourning.
In Israel, the government has instructed citizens to move to secure shelters and prepare for potential Iranian counterattacks. The Israeli military has increased its presence along the northern and southern borders and placed all reserve forces on high alert.
Considering the ongoing situation in Iran, Israel has suspended commercial flights and advised its citizens abroad to exercise extreme caution. The United States has also raised the alert level at its military bases in the Gulf region. The Arab Gulf states are particularly alarmed, as a full-scale war could severely threaten their energy infrastructure and national security.
Diplomatic efforts have intensified globally. The United Nations, European Union, Turkey, Qatar, Oman, and China are actively working to prevent further escalation. Diplomatic circles are now debating whether Israel acted without U.S. approval or if Washington gave its tacit support to the operation.
A pressing question now arises: is this the beginning of World War III? While a global war has not yet erupted, the scale of the strike and the direct targeting of Iran’s leadership are sufficient to plunge the Middle East into a prolonged and bloody conflict. The nature, scale, and scope of Iran’s potential retaliation in the coming days will be critical in shaping future developments.
At present, the world stands at a dangerous crossroads. Should Iran choose to act with restraint, perhaps the situation may remain under control. However, if it opts for a full-scale military response, not only the region but large parts of the world could be affected. Global investments, energy supply chains, international trade, and security could all suffer severe consequences.
This attack could mark a turning point in the balance of power in the Middle East. If global diplomacy fails to intervene effectively, it might well become the prelude to a much larger catastrophe. The world’s eyes are now fixed on Tehran, Tel Aviv, Washington, and New York, as the decisions made in these capitals will determine the fate of peace or war in the near future.