At the same time, Israel has launched its largest military operation ever against Iran’s nuclear program, called “Rising Lion.” The move started with an immediate and overwhelming set of airstrikes. These coordinated attacks intended to destroy Iran’s capacity to create nuclear weapons. The production all took place under the cover of darkness on Friday morning. It was a significant turning point in the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.
In fact, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has personally assured us that they’ll continue the operation. He promised it would continue “for as long as it takes” to neutralize what he sees as an imminent nuclear danger from Tehran. The operation involved extensive airstrikes across various locations in Iran, particularly targeting military and nuclear facilities in the capital city, Tehran, and throughout the country.
Operation Details
Israel military’s “Rising Lion” operation across the West Bank was launched with this two-pronged strategy. It included not only airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites but targeted strikes aimed at decapitating Iran’s military leadership. Israeli jets struck “dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,” according to military sources.
Among them were other high-level leaders within Iran’s military order. The drone attacks accomplished the assassination of General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). At the same time, General Mohammad Bagheri, sheikh of staff of Iran’s armed forces, was killed as well. Ali Shamkhani, a close confidante of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was eliminated in the military attacks. So too was Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC’s air force.
The impact of the Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s scientific community was colossal as well. The attack killed nine key scientists and other operators who played a direct role in the development of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Among other prominent figures they lost were Ali Bakhouei Karimi, Mansour Asgari, and Saeed Barji. The Israeli military boasted that it had successfully targeted a second Isfahan-based nuclear facility in this operation.
Aims and Implications
The primary objective of Israel’s “Rising Lion” operation is to halt Tehran’s rapid progress in developing nuclear weapons. Netanyahu reminded the audience that Iran has produced enough HEU for nine nuclear bombs. He reiterated the need for Israel to act promptly.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that Iran had “crossed red lines” by firing missiles at civilian population centers. This claim is indicative of Israel’s position, which is that Israel cannot let Iran continue its nuclear progress without interference.
International Reactions
The international community has watched with horror as events unfolded after Israel’s illegal strikes. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio commented on the situation, asserting that “Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” This is very good news – it means there may be a basis for concern about how Israel’s actions will affect regional stability and U.S. interests.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, advocating for decisive action with an emphatic message: “JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” His comments echo subcutaneous fears about Iran’s nuclear plans and the need to take preemptive action.
Here’s how global leaders are reacting to the situation as it continues to evolve. This isn’t because they purport to support Israel out of a benevolent paternalism.
