New Delhi/ Tel Aviv, 17.06.25: For the fifth consecutive day, unprecedented military exchanges between Israel and Iran (Operation Rising Lion) have rattled the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional war. What began on June 13 with Operation Rising Lion—Israel’s large-scale strike on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure—has since spiraled into a dangerous tit-for-tat conflict, triggering airspace closures, civilian evacuations, global diplomatic ripples, and rising regional tension.
1. 🚀 Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s Strike on Iran
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched the largest strike on Iranian territory since the Iran–Iraq War. Codename: Operation Rising Lion. Over 100 sites—nuclear facilities (Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan), IRGC command centers, missile sites, and senior military assets—were targeted by an integrated campaign of:
- Mossad-led drone strikes sabotaging missile launchers and air defenses deep inside Iran .
- Israeli Air Force (IAF) and Mossad joint operations hitting surface-to-surface missile (SSM) infrastructure in Tehran, Esfahan, Kermanshah, Tabriz (en.wikipedia.org).
Casualties & Damage:
- Iranian government cites 224 killed, 1,277+ injured, including senior IRGC officials and nuclear scientists.
- Facility damage included the Natanz nuclear plant, missile depots, and residential areas.
1.1 Mossad’s Drone Footprint
Mossad’s covert deployment established a drone base inside Iran. This network enabled sabotage of air-defense systems and missile launchers before IAF strikes, significantly reducing Iranian counter-strike capacity.
2. 🔁 Iran’s Retaliation: Missile and Drone Barrages
In response, Iran unleashed hundreds of ballistic missiles and attack drones on major Israeli cities—including Tel Aviv—through June 16. Intercepts by Israel, the U.S. Patriot, and allied air defenses intercepted most threats—though several slipped through.
Casualties:
- Over 24 killed and ~590 injured in Israel.
- Iranian strikes created civilian panic; humanitarian crises inside both nations worsening.
3. 🏙️ Tehran Evacuation & Civilian Exodus after Operation Rising Lion
With Israeli strikes hitting nuclear and residential zones in Tehran, warnings were issued for over 300,000 residents to evacuate central districts.
Widespread civilian flight saw highways clogged with cars heading north, trampling on resource infrastructure and overloading refugee routes .
Iran’s government blamed “isolated terrorist acts” but implemented internet blackouts and encouraged calm—while provincial authorities blocked Tehran-plated cars to stem exodus.
4. 🌐 International Reaction: Diplomacy & Military Moves
4.1 U.S. Response: Trump, Military Posture & Diplomatic Signals
- Trump leaves G7 early to manage the crisis—declines signing G7 ceasefire statement.
- He urged “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” and readied U.S. military assets, including USS Nimitz strike group and refueling aircraft in the region.
- Trump announced continued hawkish stance—asserting Iran must not be allowed nuclear weapons, while hinting at diplomatic overtures to contain war.
- Republicans urged maximum pressure; Democrats demanded congressional oversight if U.S. forces are engaged .
4.2 G7 & Global Leaders
G7 leaders called for de-escalation, urging Iran to halt its nuclear plans and pursue a ceasefire in Gaza. Canada and US continued urging restraint, signaling concern about a wider Middle-East conflagration.
France, UK, Germany expressed restraint and avoidance of targeting regime change, highlighting diplomatic urgency.
4.3 Regional & UN Responses
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned escalating violence and pleaded for immediate de-escalation.
- Iran is reported to have reached out (via Arab intermediaries) for nuclear negotiations contingent on Israel halting attacks.
5. ⚠️ Civilian Toll and Humanitarian Crisis
- Civilian losses: 224+ killed in Iran, >1,200 wounded; 24+ killed in Israel, ~590 injured .
- Iranian hospitals are overwhelmed, refugee routes stressed, mobile clinics deployed—particularly in northern provinces.
- Allegations from Iran of Israeli war crimes, targeting civilian infrastructure and nuclear sites; international commissions scrutinize legality.
6. 🛣️ Geopolitical Risks and Economic Fallout of Operation Rising Lion
6.1 Regional Stability
This conflict heralds the gravest direct confrontation between Israel and Iran to date—not just proxy engagements, but direct military confrontations. Both are armed with missiles, drones, and nuclear considerations—heightening risk of spillover to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Gulf states.
6.2 Energy & Global Markets
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil, is now under stress. Analysts warn of potential rises above $100/barrel Brent, threatening global inflation and disproportionately affecting oil-importing economies like India (reddit.com).
6.3 India-China Concerns
India faces secondary risks through supply chains and energy costs. A prolonged conflict could disrupt maritime routes, raising prices and fueling inflation in the region .
7. 🎙️ Political Implications & Domestic Dynamics of Operation Rising Lion
- In Israel, support for PM Netanyahu’s strong stance is temporary but contingent on continued military success. Critics warn of long-term diplomatic costs of drawn-out conflict.
- Within Iran, regime messaging focuses on unity and minimizing panic, though internal strain is emerging—Tehran lost high-ranking leaders and public morale is tested .
8. 🔍 What Comes Next after Operation Rising Lion?
8.1 Military Outlook
- Israel appears to maintain air dominance, especially after strikes. Iran’s missile capacity, though diminished, remains retaliatory .
- Iran signaling openness to nuclear talks, provided Israel halts military escalation.
- The U.S. is reinforcing its regional presence, suggesting readiness for direct involvement—but Congress remains cautious .
8.2 Diplomatic Paths
- Japan, Canada, France, Germany pushing for diplomatic negotiations, while U.S. offers military backing.
- Iran using proxies (e.g. Arab envoys) to explore nuclear talks and mediate a ceasefire .
9. ✅ FAQs – Operation Rising Lion
Q1: What sparked this conflict?
A1: Israel’s June 13 Operation Rising Lion struck multiple Iranian nuclear/military installations, triggering Iran’s missile and drone retaliation (en.wikipedia.org).
Q2: How many casualties occurred?
A2: Iran reported 224+ fatalities and 1,277+ injured; Israel reported 24+ killed and ~590 injured .
Q3: Are civilians being affected?
A3: Yes—thousands displaced, Tehran evacuations, hospitals overloaded on both sides; accusations of war crimes targeting civilians and critical infrastructure .
Q4: Is the US militarily involved?
A4: The US has deployed strike groups, shored up Middle East presence, and Air Force One returned early under Trump—but Congress hasn’t approved combat operations yet .
Q5: Could this expand into all-out war?
A5: Yes. Given the direct military actions, high-risk escalation to broader regional war is possible. Many leaders are urging restraint to prevent wider conflagration .
📝 Conclusion: Operation Rising Lion A Turning Point in Middle East Tensions
This escalation marks a dangerous pivot—from proxy confrontations to direct Israel–Iran warfare involving air strikes, drone incursions, and civilian targeting. With global powers stepping in—through diplomacy, military backing, and calls for negotiation—the world watches anxiously. Whether this crisis cools down through diplomacy or spirals into a full-scale war depends on immediate choices by Israeli, Iranian, and U.S. leadership.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as diplomacy, military actions, and regional power plays evolve.
Read: Why WhatsApp Business API Is the Best Marketing Tool Today
