Operation Rising Lion erupted as one of the most dramatic escalations in Middle Eastern anxiety. Launched by way of Israel on June 12–thirteen, 2025, this army marketing campaign targeted key Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure. At its core, it also resulted in the demise of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, Major General Hossein Salami—an act that reverberated through global headlines.
Deep Dive into Operation Rising Lion – What You Need to Know
Operation Rising Lion began with a surprise air assault involving dozens of Israeli warplanes. Targets included the Natanz uranium enrichment site, IRGC and military command centers, missile factories, and residential areas near Tehran. Iran’s state media confirmed that IRGC Chief Hossein Salami, along with other top commanders and nuclear scientists, were killed.
1. Why Now? Iran’s Nuclear Advancements
Before these moves, the International Atomic Energy Agency censured Iran for uranium enrichment to 60% purity—the nearest to weapons-grade. Iran’s rapid deployment of advanced centrifuges and new enrichment sites heightened Israel’s experience of existential urgency.
2. Strategic Targets and Precision Strikes
Natanz facility: Central to Iran’s nuclear program, heavily hit.
IRGC HQ and missile installations: Strikes disrupted key military infrastructure.
Elite personnel: Hossein Salami’s death marked a major blow to IRGC leadership.
3. The Human and Economic Toll
Residential zones were reportedly hit, with Iran confirming civilian casualties, including potential children. Globally, oil prices surged more than 6%, reflecting fears of a wider conflict.
4. Reactions from Israel and Iran
Israel: Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the operation aimed at Israel’s survival. A national emergency was declared, and tens of thousands of soldiers were mobilized.
Iran: Supreme Leader Khamenei vowed a “harsh and decisive” response. The IRGC and Iran’s Air Force prepared for swift retaliation.
5. Global Diplomatic Ripples
The U.S., including Secretary of State Rubio, claimed they were not involved but cautious. Some U.S. lawmakers applauded, while others, including Senator Jack Reed, warned about the risks of escalation.
6. Airspace, Security, and Transport Disruptions
Israel: Closed airspace; air raid sirens sounded, emergency procedures activated.
Iran & Neighbors: Tehran’s airspace shut down, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport suspended flights, and Iraq also grounded air travel.
7. Covert Ops Beyond the Skies
Beyond the overt bombings, Israeli intelligence units—including Mossad—reportedly conducted sabotage of missile and air-defense sites deep inside Iran.
8. Impact on Regional Stability
Market jitteriness surged: oil, equities, and currency markets reacted sharply. The broader Middle East faces fresh uncertainty as Iran vows retribution.
9. Historical Context and Ongoing Conflict
This action follows decades of proxy warfare and Iran’s aggressive stance against Israel. The death of Salami, a stalwart IRGC figure who led attacks against Israel and U.S. interests, takes this into a perilous new phase.
10. What Happens Next?
Expect a tense standoff:
- Israel remains on high alert.
- Iran readies military and proxy responses.
- Global powers scramble for diplomacy—and markets brace for volatility.
