Operation Rising Lion is the name of a huge surprise military attack launched by Israel on June 13, 2025, against Iran. It was not just one strike or one location. It was a massive, carefully planned military operation that involved over 200 Israeli fighter jets flying into Iran’s airspace.
The goal? To destroy Iran’s nuclear program, stop the development of long-range missiles, and eliminate top military leaders who were seen as threats to Israel.
Israel said it had no choice but to act. The country believed Iran was getting too close to creating nuclear weapons—something Israel has long said it will never allow. That’s why Operation Rising Lion was carried out.
This was not an ordinary military mission. It was bold, sudden, and one of the largest operations in Israel’s history.
What Was Targeted?
Operation Rising Lion focused on three main types of targets inside Iran:
Nuclear Sites
Israel bombed several places where Iran enriches uranium. This is the material needed to build a nuclear bomb. The most important of these sites was the Natanz nuclear facility. Israel hit it hard. Natanz is deep underground and protected, but it still suffered damage. Other nuclear-related places in Arak, Isfahan, and Tehran were also hit.
Missile Bases
Israel also struck places where Iran builds or stores ballistic missiles. These are powerful weapons that can travel long distances and carry warheads. Some of these missile sites were located near Tabriz and Kermanshah. Destroying them was meant to stop Iran from being able to launch dangerous attacks in the future.
Key People
Israel didn’t just go after buildings. It went after people—specifically, top military commanders and nuclear scientists. These included:
- Hossein Salami, leader of Iran’s elite military group, the IRGC
- Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s military chief of staff
- Gholam Ali Rashid, a top commander
- Two nuclear scientists: Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi
All of these individuals were believed to play a major role in pushing forward Iran’s nuclear and military power.
How the Operation Was Carried Out
The attack was highly coordinated. Israel likely used a mix of fighter jets, drones, long-range missiles, and electronic warfare tools to make the strikes more effective. The operation took place during the night, giving Israeli jets the element of surprise.
The planes flew at low altitudes to avoid radar systems. This helped them sneak deep into Iranian territory without being stopped. Once over the targets, they dropped precision-guided bombs and launched missiles.
Some attacks were also meant to jam Iran’s communication systems and disable air defense networks, making it harder for Iran to respond quickly.
Everything—from the number of jets used to the choice of targets—was carefully planned. Israeli intelligence had clearly spent months collecting data and watching movements inside Iran.
The operation was given the name “Rising Lion” to show strength, bravery, and action. In Israeli culture and history, the lion often symbolizes courage and boldness. The name tells the world: this was a strike with serious meaning.