Israel: Operation Rising Lion

Image Credentials: Image Title: Israel: Operation Rising Lion (sora.chatgpt) Date: May 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), and it does not depict a real-world scene.

In the early morning hours of 13 June 2025, Israel began launching large-scale attacks against targets in several areas in Iran. Israel’s codename for the attack was Operation Rising Lion. The attacks, conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad, targeted nuclear facilities, military installations, and the private residences of senior officials, causing damage to key nuclear sites and killing Iran’s top military leadership. The attack was the largest on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988).

Following the start of the operation, explosions were reported across Tehran, including near military bases and in neighborhoods housing senior commanders. Eyewitnesses described enormous flames and repeated blasts. Blasts were reported in Natanz, in Iran’s Isfahan province, where one of the country’s most critical nuclear facilities is located. Nuclear sites at Khondab and Khorramabad were also targeted. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami, Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in the attacks, according to Iranian state media. The attacks killed both Iranian military members and Iranian civilians. Buildings that were hit included nuclear sites, military sites, and residential areas. The attacks resumed in the afternoon and evening of 13 June, with additional strikes reported near Tabriz Airport and at the Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites. Parts of the Iranian opposition called for Iranians to overthrow the Iranian government.

Before the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Israel and Iran were allied nations against Arab countries in the region, although Mohammad Reza Pahlavi later professed support for Egypt in 1975 during the Yom Kippur War. The Iranian Revolution led to Ruhollah Khomeini and his religious followers ruling Iran, and they tried to get support from Arab countries by ending cooperation with Israel and denouncing Israel for occupying Palestinian territories. From 1979, Iran has engaged in holocaust denial as well as directed fiercer statements towards Israel, including threats of destroying Israel and wiping it off the map. Iran considers Israel as practicing imperialism in the Middle East. Iran has, over the years, publicly threatened Israel in a way deemed genocidal by the “Combat Antisemitism Movement”. According to CAM, Iranian rhetoric towards Israel is deeply antisemitic and poses genocidal intent. The Iran–Israel proxy conflict developed, with Iran assisting groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, all of whom repeatedly engaged in armed conflict with Israel. Israel considers Iran as its most significant enemy, believing that once Iran obtains nuclear weapons, Israel could be destroyed; hence, Israel has suggested several times that it would conduct airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear development program if that Iranian program were to reach the cusp of success.

After conflict in Gaza and with Lebanon, Israel severely weakened Iran’s proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, with the side-effect of costing Israel diplomatic goodwill over Gaza, while Iran faced nationwide protests some years prior. After an airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, widely believed to have been conducted by Israel (despite Israel’s non-admission), Iran launched the April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel, and Israel in turn retaliated with the April 2024 Israeli strikes on Iran, in the first direct strikes between the two territories. In July 2024, Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas, in Iran. In October 2024, Iran struck Israel, and Israel struck Iran. According to Foreign Policy, following the 7 October attack, Israel has sought to change the Middle East by striking the axis of resistance, in the process severely weakening Iran’s proxies such as Hezbollah and Hamas. The weakening of Hamas and Syria has allowed the new Lebanese government to exercise sovereignty for the first time in 40 years, while the Iran-backed Syrian regime fell in late 2024.

Iran in 2015 agreed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with the United Nations Security Council and Germany to manage Iran’s nuclear development at a limited level. In 2018, American President Donald Trump, during his first presidency, suspended his country’s participation in the deal and resumed economic sanctions on Iran, despite the report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran was keeping to the deal. In 2019, Iran sped up its nuclear development, and by 2021, it was enriching uranium to 60% purity, similar to weapons-grade uranium.

In March 2025, American director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said that American agencies believed that “Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and [Iran’s] Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003”. In April 2025, American President Donald Trump announced negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear program, with the White House declaring that Iran has two months to secure a deal; the two-month deadline expired the day before Israel’s strikes.

In May 2025, the IAEA reported that Iran had amassed 409 kg of 60% pure uranium. A day before the Israeli strikes occurred, the IAEA found Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years; Iran immediately responded by announcing a new nuclear enrichment facility (its third) and installing advanced centrifuges.

On 12 June 2025, ABC News reported that Israel was considering taking military action against Iran; hours later, U.S. officials had been told that Israel was “fully ready” to initiate an operation against Iran, according to CBS News. The Trump administration purportedly considered options to support Israel without leading the operation. The Embassy of the United States in Jerusalem restricted the movement of its staffers the following day, though Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, said it was not “likely” that Israel would strike Iran without approval from the Trump administration. Before the airstrikes, Israel told the Trump administration it would not strike without first notifying the United States.

In a speech announcing the Israeli attack, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, “For decades, the leaders of Tehran have openly called for Israel’s destruction. They have backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a nuclear weapons program”. Netanyahu said that Israel attacked because “if not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year. It could be within a few months, less than a year.” Hence, Netanyahu announced the launch of Operation Rising Lion, a military campaign targeting Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz, its nuclear scientists, and parts of its ballistic missile program, declaring the operation would continue “for as many days as it takes”. Netanyahu described Iran’s nuclear efforts as “a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival”, and emphasized that in acting, “we also defend our Arab neighbors” from Iranian aggression. As of 04:35 am IST (UTC+3:00), Iran had not responded.

The Israeli prime minister, in a speech following the attack, said Israel’s war was with the Islamic regime and not with the Iranian people. Netanyahu convened the security cabinet as the situation unfolded.

According to JNS, “Rising Lion”, the name of the operation, is derived from the biblical Book of Numbers (23:24): “Behold, the people shall rise as a great lion, and lift himself as a young lion.” JNS also suggested that the name referred to the revival of the Lion and Sun, which was the emblem of Iran until the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Early morning

In the early hours of 13 June 2025, the IDF launched a large-scale strike targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. As of 6:30 am (IDT), the Israeli Air Force had carried out five waves of strikes. The operation reportedly focused on dozens of sites, including locations associated with Iran’s nuclear program and key military commanders and bases. The Mossad also conducted a coordinated set of secret sabotage missions targeting Iran’s air defense systems and missile infrastructure. Israel stated that it had struck targets that were not anticipated by Tehran.

According to the IDF, over 200 Israeli aircraft dropped more than 330 munitions on around 100 targets during the opening strikes. According to an Israeli official, Mossad established a covert drone base near Tehran, which was used to strike missile launchers aimed at Israel as part of the operation. The mission, coordinated with the IDF, also involved smuggling precision weapons into Iran and deploying Mossad commandos to disable air defenses, securing air superiority for Israeli aircraft.

Around 3 am local time, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency, warning of an imminent missile and drone retaliation. Warning sirens were activated across Israel in anticipation of a possible Iranian counterattack, though no ballistic missiles had been launched by Iran at the time of reporting. Katz further described Israel’s attack on Iran as a “preemptive strike”. According to the IDF, the action was prompted by intelligence indicating Iran had amassed enough enriched uranium to produce up to 15 nuclear weapons within days.

Explosions were reported across Tehran, including near military bases and in neighborhoods housing senior commanders. Eyewitnesses described enormous flames and repeated blasts. Fars News Agency, which is linked to the IRGC, reported that multiple homes were struck in Shahrak-e Mahallati, a neighborhood in eastern Tehran where high-ranking Iranian military officers and their families reside. The attack reportedly set the IRGC headquarters in Tehran. Some residential complexes were hit during the attack, including ones that housed Iranian officers and officials. Reportedly, the strength of the explosions caused them to collapse.

Blasts were reported in Natanz, in Isfahan province, where one of Iran’s most critical nuclear facilities is located. Iranian state TV confirmed “loud explosions” near the site, which houses two enrichment plants: the large underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) above ground. Nuclear sites at Khondab and Khorramabad were also targeted.

Israel conducted strikes in Tabriz in the early afternoon, reportedly targeting an area near Tabriz Airport. Shiraz and the Natanz Nuclear Facility were struck by Israel as well. Explosions also occurred at the Hamadan Airbase and the Parchin military base. Two explosions also occurred near the subterranean Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, where an Israeli drone was reportedly shot down by Iranian air defenses.

At 18:46 GMT, the Israeli military confirmed striking the Isfahan Nuclear Technology/Research Center, saying it was involved in the “reconversion of enriched uranium.”

Iranian media reported that at least two Israeli fighter jets were downed over Iranian airspace, and a female pilot was captured. The IDF denied this.

Fars News Agency reported that at least 78 people have been killed and another 329 were injured during Israel’s attacks on 13 June.

Regional sources said that at least 20 senior commanders were killed in the strikes. The IDF said it had killed the Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri. The claim was denied by the Iranian state media agency IRNA but corroborated by the semi-official Fars News Agency. Iranian state media, meanwhile, reported the death of IRGC commander Hossein Salami, which was later confirmed by the IRGC and senior commander Gholam Ali Rashid. The IDF said that a strike on an underground command center killed most of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force’s leadership after they had convened for a meeting, including IRGC air force commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh as well as the leaders of the IRGC’s air defense and drone units. In total, the IDF reported killing at least six senior military commanders—Bagheri, Salami, Ali Rashid, Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC air defense unit commander Davoud Shaykhian, and IRGC drone unit commander Taher Pour—and nine nuclear scientists. The New York Times reported the death of Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani. Nour News [fa] reported that Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was critically injured and later died of his injuries.

Nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were also killed, according to Iranian state media. Tasnim News Agency later added four more scientists who were killed.

Civilians, including women and children, were reported by local media among the casualties. Tasnim News Agency later reported that over 50 people were injured in Tehran’s northern district of Tajrish, including 35 women and children, who were taken to Chamran Hospital.

Tasnim News Agency reported that Iranian authorities suspended flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport, although the facility itself was not directly affected by the attacks. Return flights were perforce canceled for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Flights were also suspended from Israel’s airports^, and both Iraq and Jordan closed their airspace. China advised its citizens in Iran to stay alert. The New York City Police Department said it is “deploying additional resources” to Jewish and Israeli sites around New York City. Israel declared a state of special emergency, shut down its airspace, closed schools, and banned large social gatherings. Israel also called up tens of thousands of IDF reservists in preparation for an Iranian retaliation. The IDF announced that all of its pilots involved in the strikes returned unharmed.

The strikes against Iran caused oil prices to increase by 7%, later increasing to 11%, making them the highest in a month. The US dollar grew, bitcoin dropped to $103,000, and gold prices rose by over 1%. The Global Futures stock market fell; Dow futures lost 600 points. Stocks of various international airline companies significantly decreased after the attack. Stocks of Lufthansa dropped by 5%, while stocks of Air France, KLM, and EasyJet fell by 3–4%. Reportedly, airlines stopped their operations over the airspace of Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, diverting flights and canceling them for safety.

After the attack, Iran promised a “harsh response” against Israel. It said that they are going to attack Israeli and US forces stationed in military bases across the Middle East. The US later evacuated some of its soldiers in Iraq and also authorized the evacuation of family members of US soldiers across the region. According to IDF Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Iran launched more than 100 Shahed drones towards Israel in retaliation. Sirens were activated in Amman, Jordan’s capital. Some of the drones were intercepted by the Royal Jordanian Air Force over Jordanian airspace, and some by the Israeli Air Force over Saudi Arabia and Syria. Later, various Israeli sources said that an order for Israeli civilians to seek shelter was lifted, suggesting that a majority or all of the drones were destroyed.

The Houthis also fired a ballistic missile from Yemen targeting Jerusalem, with it landing in Hebron, West Bank, injuring five Palestinians.

Tel Aviv was targeted with Iranian missiles following the attack, while some missiles were intercepted by Israel, others were able to hit their targets in Tel Aviv. Iran codenamed its counterattack “Operation True Promise 3” and said that it attacked dozens of targets, including military sites and airbases. The IDF estimated that around 150 ballistic missiles were fired in two waves during the attack. Magen David Adom reported that around 22 Israelis were injured, two seriously and another two moderately. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services rescued two people from a building struck in Tel Aviv.

Due to potential direct threats to Jews and Israelis across the world, the Israeli National Security Council warned Israelis and Jews across the world to avoid the display of anything that may give away their Jewish identity. The Community Security Trust issued a warning to the Jewish community in the United Kingdom, and in France, the Jewish Community Protection Service asked French Jews to be “extremely vigilant”. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Anti-Defamation League was monitoring the situation within the United States.

The spokesman of the Iranian Armed Forces, Abolfazl Shekarchi, vowed to retaliate against Israel and the United States. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei released a statement following the strikes, calling the attacks a “crime” and warning that the “Zionist regime prepared for itself a bitter and painful fate”. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that Iran has the “legal and legitimate” right to respond to Israeli attacks under the UN Charter, also stating that the US will also be responsible for the “dangerous effects and consequences of the Zionist regime’s adventure”. The IRGC stated that it is ready to respond even after the death of its chief, Hossein Salami. Ahmad Vahidi was appointed as a temporary IRGC commander until Ali Khamenei appointed Major General Mohammad Pakpour. MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi said that “Iran will not participate in the sixth round of nuclear talks with the United States on [15 June] and until further notice.”

Former President Mohammad Khatami called for condemnation of this “criminal act” and that the UN should be at the “forefront” in the effort to prevent further tragedies by seriously and comprehensively condemning Israel.

Protesters in Qom called for retaliation. Protesters waved the flags of Iran and Palestine and carried portraits of slain IRGC general Qasem Soleimani. Reports from within Iran have claimed that some Iranians (via Iran International) praised the strikes. Viewers thanked “Uncle Netanyahu” and urged protests to overthrow the government, and called for Israel to continue the strikes and even target Khamenei.

Iran’s communications ministry announced nationwide internet restrictions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a televised interview: “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” and added: “We are defending the free world from the terrorism and barbarism that Iran fosters and exports across the globe.” He also claimed that Iran already possessed enough enriched uranium for nine nuclear bombs. He thanked Trump for his support and said the attack was an immediate operational necessity to roll back the uranium enrichment threat. He further said the attacks would continue for “as long as is needed to complete the task of fending off the threat of annihilation against us.”

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated in a televised address that the Israeli Army is “mobilizing tens of thousands of soldiers and preparing across all borders,” as he warned that “anyone who tries to challenge us will pay a heavy price” and that “it was at the point of no return”.

Opposition Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid offered his “full support” for the operations against Iran.

The city of Tel Aviv canceled its annual Pride Parade, which typically attracts tens of thousands of participants.

•  UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to show maximum restraint. His spokesperson, Farhan Haq, stated that “the Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East”.
•  IAEA said they are monitoring the situation.
•  AU called for an end to the attacks and warned of a threat to international peace.
•  NATO called it crucial for Israel’s allies to help de-escalate tensions.
•  EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she stands ready in support of peace and the end of hostilities.
•  GCC condemned the attack and called it a threat to peace.

•  Afghanistan: The Taliban condemned the attack while expressing concern about Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza.
•  Armenia: The Foreign Ministry condemned the “unilateral attack against Iran [that] endangers the peaceful efforts as well as overall regional stability & global peace.”
•  Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that she was “alarmed” by the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, while also stating that “This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile.”
•  China: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian called for “ways conducive to regional peace and stability.” The embassy in Iran described the situation as “severe and complex,” advising its citizens to stay alert and avoid sensitive or crowded locations^, as did the embassy in Tel Aviv.
•  Czech Republic: Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called the strikes a “reasonable reaction” to Iran’s threat of a nuclear bomb and support for Hamas and Hezbollah. He said he has “a great deal of understanding for … military action aimed at preventing the production of a nuclear bomb,” adding that “Iran has long failed to fulfill its obligations to the international community, is building up its nuclear program and, at the same time, uses rhetoric aimed at destroying the state of Israel”.
•  France: President Emmanuel Macron called for “maximum restraint” while reaffirming “Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security.”
•  Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged both Israel and Iran to “refrain from steps that could lead to a further escalation and destabilize the whole region.” He confirmed that Netanyahu had informed him of the operation in a phone call and stated that Germany is prepared to use “all available diplomatic means” to help de-escalate the conflict. Merz also stressed that “the aim must remain that Iran not develop any nuclear weapons”, and reaffirmed Israel’s “right to protect its existence and the security of its citizens.” He added that German security services will step up protection for Jewish and Israeli sites domestically.
•  India: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was “closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.”
•  Indonesia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Israel’s large-scale strike on Tehran, warning that the attack could heighten regional tensions. Spokesman Rolliansyah Soemirat stated that all countries are obligated to resolve disputes peacefully and in line with international law.
•  Iraq: The Iraqi government lamented the failure of diplomatic efforts amid the US–Iran negotiations and denounced Israel’s use of force against Iran as a “flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter” and called on the UNSC to convene immediately.
•  Japan: Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that the government would “continue all-out diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from worsening further,” and would “take every possible measure” to protect Japanese expatriates.
•  Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun issued a statement that read the attacks “targeted not only the Iranian people, but also all international efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East and neighboring countries” and “undermine ongoing mediation initiatives that had made significant progress toward achieving realistic and just solutions to avert the threat of war in the region.” He also called for “swift and effective action to prevent Israel from advancing its objectives, which he described as increasingly transparent and highly dangerous if allowed to persist.”
•  New Zealand: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the strikes were “a huge concern”, while Foreign Minister Winston Peters called for de-escalation.
•  Norway: Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide criticized the attacks, saying they violate international law, exacerbate regional tensions, and endanger global security.
•  Oman: Oman blamed Israel for the attacks and their consequences.
•  Pakistan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s attack and affirmed Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said that he condemns the attacks and supports Iran’s right to self-defence. He called on the United Nations to take “urgent steps” to prevent any further escalations. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would reiterate Sharif’s statement.
•  Russia: Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “Russia is concerned by and condemns the sharp escalation in tensions”.
•  Saudi Arabia: The Foreign Ministry condemned the “heinous” attacks, calling them a violation of international laws and norms.
•  Turkey: The Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks “in the strongest possible terms,” saying that “Israel does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means.”
•  United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged “all parties to step back” and “return to diplomacy.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the attacks a “very dangerous moment.” According to reports, the UK has no plans to defend Israel from retaliation by Iran. Later the same day, Starmer said the UK has “long-held concerns” about Iran’s nuclear program, and that he “absolutely recognizes Israel’s right to self-defence.” At the same time, he stressed the need for “de-escalation.” Starmer reiterated those messages during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  • Conservative leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch refused to condemn the attacks, emphasizing that “Iran is an enemy of the UK” and had attempted terrorist attacks on UK soil.” She added, “If Israel is stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons, they should not be condemned for that.”
• United States: President Donald Trump praised the Israeli strikes as “excellent” and “very successful,” and warned that Iran must “make a deal now” over its nuclear program or face “even more destructive and deadly military action.” He said there had already been “great death and destruction” and cautioned that future strikes would be “even more brutal.” Trump criticized Iran for refusing multiple chances to reach an agreement, saying he told them to “just do it,” but they “just couldn’t get it done.” He pledged continued military support for Israel, stating, “Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come – and they know how to use it.”
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Israel acted independently, stating the U.S. was not involved. He said that Israel informed the U.S. it viewed the attack as an act of self-defense. Rubio warned: “Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” and also said the administration was taking all necessary steps and maintaining communication with regional partners.
  • Senator Jim Risch warned Iran not to attack the US, saying: “Iran would be foolish to attack the United States.” Senator Jack Reed said: “Israel’s alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence”.
  • Following the attack, US forces moved closer to the Middle East.
•  Venezuela: The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law, and expressed its backing of its Middle Eastern ally.

• Hamas: Hamas condemned the attack as a “brutal aggression that constitutes a flagrant violation of international norms and conventions”, adding that it reaffirmed that Israel “poses an existential threat to the entire region” and “reflects the extremist Netanyahu government’s insistence on dragging the region into open confrontations.” They also offered condolences over the deaths of the senior commanders and nuclear scientists. They further called for “a unified stance to deter” Israel and “put an end to its crimes.”
•  Hezbollah: Hezbollah condemned the attacks but said that it would not launch an attack on Israel.
•  Houthis: The Houthis condemned the attacks and said they “support Iran’s right to defend itself.”
• The US-based Democracy for the Arab World Now called the attack “unlawful” and “unprovoked” and urged the US to “decouple” its interests with Israel.
• The US-based National Iranian American Council wrote that Israel’s attack “lacked legal justification under international law” and “unnecessarily endangered the lives of many innocent people”.
• The Canadian-based Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims hailed the killing of General Hajizadeh, the IRGC-AF commander.

The Jerusalem Post suggested Iran’s possible retaliation could entail proxy attacks, ballistic missiles and drones, naval and “asymmetric” threats, attacks on targets based outside the country, conventional armed forces, or diplomatic attacks.

According to Foreign Policy, most of the American allied countries have failed to recognize the danger posed by the Iranian regime, which seeks to “leverage American gullibility and caution to Tehran’s advantage”. Israel, according to the paper, decided to resolve the Iranian threat, deemed “existential” by Israelis, and strike the “head of the snake” and end the Iranian threat.

Mohammad Eslami, a researcher at the University of Tehran, suggested that a retaliatory attack was supported by most of Iran’s domestic political parties, a near unanimity not seen since the Iran–Iraq War.

According to the Atlantic Council’s Daniel B. Shapiro, the attacks by Israel laid bare the weakness of Iran in the aftermath of the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, claiming that Israel has achieved full penetration of Iran and has demonstrated capabilities to strike at targets across much of the country. “Iran has never looked weaker, and its ability to respond meaningfully will be tested,” he concluded.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon of The Telegraph described Israel’s offensive as a “preemptive, precise, and combined strike” that has “absolutely hammered” Iran and may shatter its nuclear ambitions. He praised the operation’s scale and sophistication, calling it “an attack on senior military and political decision-makers” with a level of intensity “not seen in living memory.”

Military analyst Richard Kemp argued that Israel “had no choice but to attack,” describing Iran as a “desperate” regime that has long pursued nuclear weapons and supported global terrorism. With diplomacy exhausted, Kemp warned that failing to act would have meant allowing “a regime that has repeatedly proven its capacity for unlimited violence” to acquire nuclear arms. He urged continued support for Israel to “finish the job,” cautioning that any renewed negotiations would be a mistake, as Iran “would not honour” any deal.

Writing for Al Jazeera English, Imad El-Anis, an international relations expert on the Middle East and North Africa at Nottingham Trent University, pointed out that Israel’s capability of smuggling in drones within Iran and being able to operate in Iranian airspace in broad daylight signals a marked shift in the balance of power between the two foes, with Iran’s defensive capabilities being seriously degraded. According to El-Anis, Israel’s being able to take advantage of these weaknesses remains unprecedented in the history of the conflict between the two nations.

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