Israel Strikes Iran: “Operation Rising Lion” 2025

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Israel strikes Iran By PeanutsChoice | CitizenOfEurope.com | 13 June 2025
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

In the early hours of Friday, 13 June 2025, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a sweeping aerial and cyber strike campaign against Iran, targeting nuclear and military infrastructure in one of the most aggressive regional escalations in decades.

Key Iranian facilities—including enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow, command centres in Tehran and Esfahan, missile depots, and air defence systems—were reportedly hit with precision-guided munitions and cyber attacks designed to disable radar and communication systems.

Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of several top military and nuclear figures, including:

Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff
Nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi

While Israel maintains the strikes were preemptive, Iranian leadership has called the attack a declaration of war.

Human Toll and Civilian Impact

In multiple cities, including Tehran and Shiraz, eyewitnesses described fireballs and shockwaves from explosions near residential areas. Videos circulating online show collapsed apartment blocks and overwhelmed hospitals. Official Iranian figures cite dozens dead and injured, but international confirmation remains limited due to a communications blackout.

Washington’s Role: Silent Partner or Passive Observer?

Despite advance knowledge of the operation, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both stated unequivocally that the U.S. did not participate in the assault.

“Israel acted in its own defence,” Trump said. “The United States supports our ally but was not operationally involved.”

Rubio added that the U.S. had “no hand in targeting, intelligence sharing, cyber support, or refuelling.”

Yet analysts warn that Tehran may interpret U.S. foreknowledge as complicity, risking further escalation across American installations in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf.

Iran’s Response: ‘This Is War’

Speaking live on state television, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared the attack a “cowardly act of war” and vowed “bitter and proportionate” retaliation.

Hours later, Iran launched ballistic missiles toward northern and central Israel. Most were reportedly intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system. No Israeli casualties have been reported, though damage assessments are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Syria and Iraq, and Houthi forces in Yemen have all been placed on high alert. Hezbollah issued a statement vowing “coordinated resistance with Tehran.”

EU Calls for De-escalation — But Prepares for Fallout

In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the loss of life and called for “urgent diplomatic intervention.” A special session of EU foreign and defence ministers has been scheduled, with France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands activating emergency consular protocols.

European embassies in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Baghdad, and Beirut have begun partial evacuations. Travel warnings are in effect, and citizens are advised to leave the region while commercial options remain open.

Markets in Turmoil

Brent crude surged 11%, surpassing $100 per barrel.
Airlines suspended or rerouted flights across Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan.
European stock markets saw brief selloffs before stabilizing.
NATO and ECB crisis teams are monitoring Persian Gulf shipping lanes and oil supply routes.

What Comes Next

The UN Security Council is set to meet in an emergency session within 24 hours. Talks via Qatar, Oman, and Switzerland are reportedly underway behind the scenes.

But as Tehran and Tel Aviv exchange threats—and as military assets across the Middle East move into offensive posture—analysts say the world may be witnessing the opening act of a broader, more dangerous regional war.

For Europe, this is not just a distant conflict—it’s a direct test of foreign policy resolve, energy security, and humanitarian preparedness.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article is based on verified government statements, reputable wire services, and vetted regional sources as of 13 June 2025. Due to the rapidly unfolding nature of this conflict, some claims—particularly regarding casualties—may evolve. Citizen of Europe remains committed to publishing responsible, human-centered reporting in line with European journalistic standards.