Israel launches 'Operation Rising Lion': Massive strikes on Iran target nuclear and military sites

‎Israel has launched a sweeping military offensive against Iran under the name Operation Rising Lion, targeting key nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior Iranian military figures. The Israeli military described the strikes as the beginning of a prolonged campaign aimed at neutralizing what it calls an existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

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‎Israel launches Operation Rising Lion, striking Iran’s nuclear sites, killing top commanders, and triggering fears of Middle East escalation.

‎The Associated Press

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‎More than 200 Israeli fighter jets bombed over 100 locations across Iran, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, multiple missile production factories, and military command centers in Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials, including Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guards, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and the commander of Iran’s Emergency Command.

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‎“This is a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recorded statement. “Operation Rising Lion will continue for as many days as necessary to eliminate the Iranian threat.”

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‎Iran responded by launching approximately 100 drones toward Israeli territory, with active interception efforts underway by Israel’s advanced air defense systems. Simultaneously, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency executed a series of covert sabotage operations inside Iran, aimed at degrading the country’s strategic missile and air defense capabilities, according to Israeli officials quoted by Axios.

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‎Explosions were reported across Iran, with Tehran’s residential districts hit and civilian casualties, including children, confirmed by Iranian state media. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of committing a “wicked and bloody crime,” warning that a “bitter fate” awaits the Israeli state.

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‎Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan was swiftly cleared, with global airlines diverting and canceling flights amid rising regional tension. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv was closed indefinitely. Iran also shut down its own airspace to civilian traffic.

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‎U.S. officials stated unequivocally that the United States was not involved in the operation. Nevertheless, concerns are mounting that the conflict could spiral into a broader Middle East war, especially in light of Iran’s ability to rapidly enrich uranium. Israeli officials claim Iran currently has enough nuclear material to produce up to 15 nuclear bombs within days.

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‎Israel’s military chief, Eyal Zamir, said tens of thousands of Israeli troops have been mobilized, describing the campaign as “a historic mission to prevent a genocidal regime from fulfilling its nuclear ambitions.”

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‎Global diplomatic efforts are now underway, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar engaged in nonstop consultations with international counterparts to explain and justify the military action.

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‎The full implications of this military escalation remain uncertain, but the stakes for regional and global security are now significantly higher than ever.