Recent News
On 13th June 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on Iran which dismantled Iran from within affecting major nuclear facilities and gas fields. This has grabbed global attention due to it being a major direct strike on the nuclear bases of Iran and it is likely going to shift the power and geo-political dynamics in the Middle East.
Overview of the Operation Rising Lion
| Attribute | Details |
| Name of Operation | Operation Rising Lion |
| Initiator | Israel Defense Forces (IDF) |
| Target | Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories, military capabilities |
| Key Hit Location | Natanz uranium enrichment facility, Isfahan Province |
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What is Operation Rising Lion? Where does the name come from?
It is a large-scale airstrike or jet strike campaign launched on Iran by the Israeli military. This operation is a planned escalation and affected Iranian bases due to Iran’s miscalculation. Operation Rising Lion is a major strike campaign that has directly targeted critical nuclear bases and facilities in Iran.
According to the report, Israel has named its military operation against Iran “Rising Lion” as it took the name from a biblical verse that vows for a victorious future for a powerful Israel.
Reasons that led to Operation Rising Lion
Immediate Trigger
Operation rising lion was launched as an immediate response to IAEA’s Non-Compliance Resolution. On 12th of June, IAEA passed a resolution stating Iran has violated its nuclear safeguard agreements and it is engaged in strengthening its nuclear power. Israel used this resolution as a green flag for launching its action on Iran.
Historical Context
Tensions between Iran and Israel is not a new thing. Shadow War and nuclear tensions were visible from early 1990s. The historical conflicts have sparked the current campaign.
Prevent Iran from strengthening its nuclear power
Iran has enriched its uranium sources to approximately 60% purity which is close to the weapon grade of 90%. Further Iran-Us talks failed because Iran reaffirmed on enriching the uranium.
Existential Threat
Iran’s better geo-political position and uranium enrichment supporting its nuclear armed status is considered an existential threat to Israel. Iran earlier maintained its stance of complete disappearance of Israel. And hence, Iran’s empowerment was the biggest threat to Israel.
Exploit Iran’s weakened global position
Iran’s allies i.e. Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis were weakened after Israel’s Gaza war (2023–25) and Syria’s regime collapse (2024). This weakened position of Iran was thereof a green flag for Israel’s well planned and strategically executed operation.
Domestic Political Needs
This operation was not just a country’s requirement but the domestic politics of Netanyahu for his own survival. Facing corruption charges and coalition instability, he framed the attack as critical for Israel’s security.
Why could Israel strike Iran’s nuclear bases?
While what might seem a sudden strike was a planned and strategically executed move by the Israeli defence force. Israel military could strike Iran’s nuclear bases and successfully launch operation rising lion due to following reasons:-
- Planned Strategy: Israeli media and news channels created a fake narration to make Iran believe that Netanyahu is busy with personal stuff.
- Iran’s miscalculation: Iran ignored all the signs that prompted possible action by Israel assuming peace for the nation.
- Previous victory: Previously, Israel neutralised Iran’s attack easily. And a prolonged surge has also weakened its allies.
- Green flag from IAEA: IAEA’s recent accusation on Iran’s nuclear safeguard acted as a green flag for Israel.
Iran’s Nuclear Sites in the News:
- Natanz Nuclear Facility (Isfahan Province):
- This site is Iran’s primary uranium enrichment centre, referred to as the “beating heart” of its nuclear programme. This was the major site targeted by Israel under operation rising lion.
- Severely damaged in Israel’s strike, including major surface infrastructure.
- Fordow Enrichment Plant (Qom Province):
- It is a plant located deep underground and is highly critical for high-grade enrichment.
- Site reported explosions suggest it was partially targeted in follow-up strikes.
- Bid Kaneh Missile Complex:
- A key site for missile development and production.
- Hit by precision strikes targeting strategic deterrence capability.
- Kermanshah Missile Base:
- Central hub for short and medium-range missile storage.
- Hit to restrict Iran’s retaliation capabilities.
- Tabriz Military Bases & Research Centre: Targeted to cripple military command structures and destroy ballistic storage units.
- Tehran Command Centre: Underground base where Iran’s IRGC air force leadership was meeting key commanders killed.
Implications of the Iran-Israel Conflict
Every action has a reaction and so does “Operation Rising Lion”. The possible expected implication of this Iran-Israel Conflict are discussed below:-
- Escalation of Proxy Conflicts: Iran’s regional proxies — Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, and PMF — may retaliate, opening multiple fronts and turning the war into a wider Middle Eastern conflict.
- Destabilization of Fragile States: Countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen could witness a surge in violence, leading to internal political chaos and humanitarian crises.
- Change in regional dynamics: This operation is likely shifting the geo-political stance of the region and other dynamics.
- Surge in Oil Price: Iran is a major oil producing state and a direct war involving Iran risks disrupting global oil exports, potentially triggering a spike in oil prices and inflation worldwide.
- Maritime Insecurity: Attacks over the red sea in 2024 makes us believe that maritime security can be at risk. Key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and Eastern Mediterranean may face threats, disrupting global trade and energy supply.
- Derailment of Iran Nuclear Deal Talks: Ongoing efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are likely to collapse, ending hopes for a peaceful nuclear settlement.
- Strengthening Iran’s Resolve: Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities may encourage Iran to accelerate its nuclear weapons program under the pretext of national defense.
- Arms Race in the Region: Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia may push for nuclear capabilities, intensifying the regional arms race.
- Reconfiguration of Regional Alliances: Arab states fearful of Iranian aggression may deepen cooperation with Israel.
- Regional powers like Turkey may recalibrate their roles to balance influence, while Russia may attempt to exploit the crisis for strategic gains.
- India’s Strategic and Economic Concerns: Over 60% of India’s crude oil comes from the Middle East; instability can disrupt supplies and widen the current account deficit.
- Millions of Indian citizens work in the Gulf; escalation may require emergency evacuations and increase remittance risk.
- India will have to balance relations between Israel, Iran, and Arab countries, maintaining neutrality while protecting its strategic interests.
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FAQs
- What exactly did Israel target in Iran?
Israel’s strikes focused on nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and senior Iranian military figures, according to reports.
- Who are involved in the operation rising lion?
Israel and Iran are involved in the operation rising lion.
- What is the recent Iran-Israel conflict?
Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion striking the nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and senior Iranian military figures.
- Why is it called Operation Rising Lion?
Because the name is taken from a Bible verse, which symbolizing Israel’s strength and determination, comparing the nation to a lion rising for battle, as per Reuters report.
