Israel Launches “Operation Rising Lion”: Airstrikes Kill IRGC Chief and Nuclear Scientists, Escalate Into Full‑Scale War
Targeted airstrikes hit Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear program, killing Commander‑in‑Chief Hossein Salami and two top scientists; oil prices surge and the region braces for retaliation.
Operation Rising Lion: Israel Strikes Deep Inside Iran
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a coordinated series of airstrikes deep into Iranian territory, targeting military and nuclear facilities from Tehran to Natanz
- The Israeli government framed the operation as preemptive, aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed the campaign would “continue for as many days as it takes” to neutralize the perceived existential threat washingtonpost.com+1thetimes.co.uk+1english.aawsat.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
Death of Major General Hossein Salami
Iranian state media confirmed that IRGC Commander-in-Chief Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami was killed in the strike on the IRGC headquarters in Tehran
- Salami, a key architect of Iran’s missile and regional strategies, was known for his aggressive rhetoric.
- His removal deals a significant blow to Iran’s military command structure.
Nuclear Scientists Killed
Among other high-profile casualties were nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi‑Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, both confirmed dead in the strikes
- Abbasi‑Davani, a former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, survived a prior assassination attempt in 2010.
- Tehranchi, a respected physicist and university leader, was likewise highly influential in Iran’s nuclear efforts.
Strategic Targets Hit
The airstrikes struck multiple critical sites:
- Natanz uranium enrichment facility, a key node in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure
- Heavy‑water reactor near Khandab and ballistic missile base near Khorramabad
- Military compounds and residences of senior commanders inside Tehran
Regional & Global Fallout
- Oil prices spiked over 7–10%, reflecting market fears of regional disruption
- Israel declared a state of emergency—closing airspace, canceling Ben Gurion flights, and warning citizens of imminent drone or missile reprisals
- The U.S. officially denied direct participation; President Trump was briefed, and Secretary of State Rubio stated their top priority is protecting U.S. forces
Tehran’s Response & Escalation Risk
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed “harsh retaliation,” accusing Israel of crimes against humanity and warning of a heavy response
- Iran confirmed the strikes hit residential areas, causing civilian casualties, including children
- The IAEA confirmed damage to Natanz and other sites, pausing a critical sixth round of U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations scheduled in Oman
Human Dimensions: Faces Amid the Chaos
- Hossein Salami, aged 65, a wartime veteran who rose to command Iran’s Revolutionary Guard with reputation for hardened defiance.
- Fereydoun Abbasi, born in 1958, survived a previous bomb assassination attempt; a respected scientist driven by national pride.
- Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, professor and university leader, mentoring a generation of Iranian physicists, reportedly lost alongside innocent family members in Tehran.
What’s Next
| Concern | Details |
|---|---|
| Iranian Retaliation | Missile or drone strikes expected against Israeli and possibly U.S. assets shortly. |
| Regional Contagion | Neighboring states reinforcing defenses; global markets sensitive. |
| Diplomatic Fallout | U.S.–Iran nuclear talks are now stalled; international calls for calm intensify. |
This marks the most dramatic escalation in the Israel–Iran conflict to date—transforming simmering tension into open warfare. Both sides appear fully committed: Israel is prepared for a protracted campaign, while Iran is mobilizing for retaliation and defense.