Israel launches Operation Rising Lion with airstrikes on Iran, killing key commanders. Iran responds with 100 drones. Flights disrupted, world on alert. Full breaking news.
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Middle East on Edge: Israel's Operation Rising Lion Sparks Massive Iranian Retaliation, Global Alarm
By Kudla News International Bureau | June 14, 2025
Jerusalem / Tehran / Dubai — In one of the most volatile military escalations in the Middle East in over a decade, Israel and Iran have entered a direct confrontation, following the launch of Operation Rising Lion—an unprecedented Israeli airstrike targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. The assault, confirmed to have killed several top Iranian commanders and scientists, has triggered a massive retaliatory drone offensive by Iran, disrupted global air travel, and drawn the attention of every major world power.
The situation unfolded early Friday, June 13, when the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched coordinated precision airstrikes on over 200 Iranian targets, including nuclear enrichment facilities near Natanz, Tehran-based command centers, and high-value military infrastructure across the country.
The offensive, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was “a targeted campaign to neutralize the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities.” In a televised address, Netanyahu declared:
“We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme. We eliminated key threats. Operation Rising Lion will continue until Israel’s safety is assured.”
Israel-Iran War Escalates: Operation Rising Lion, Drone Retaliation, Global Fallout
Targeted Killings and High-Value Strikes
The Israeli Air Force reportedly deployed over 200 fighter jets, dropping more than 330 precision munitions in a matter of hours. Among those killed were three of Iran’s top military officials:
General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces
Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
General Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the elite Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command
Additionally, six senior Iranian nuclear scientists were confirmed dead, including Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi. State media reported explosions near several nuclear sites, though Iranian officials have not confirmed the extent of damage.
Civilian casualties have also been reported, with over 50 people injured, including women and children, according to Iran’s IRIB news agency.
Iran’s Retaliation: 100 Drones, New Leadership Appointments
Iran’s response was swift and forceful. Within hours of the strikes, the Iranian military launched over 100 drones toward Israeli airspace in what experts are calling the largest drone offensive in regional history.
While Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling defense systems intercepted most aerial threats, the full extent of damage and casualties inside Israel remains undisclosed as of this report.
Simultaneously, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei moved quickly to fill the power vacuum. New appointments were announced:
Abdolrahim Mousavi as Chief of Staff
Mohammad Pakpour as IRGC Commander
Ali Shadmani to lead Khatam al-Anbiya
Khamenei called the Israeli action a “crime against Iran” and vowed “severe punishment.” He also issued a warning to Israel’s allies, suggesting that Iranian retaliation may not be limited to Israel alone.
Global Fallout: Flights Canceled, Diplomacy Disrupted
The ripple effects were felt across the globe. Major Gulf airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest, reported delays and cancellations due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
Jordan and Iraq responded by shutting down their airspace entirely. Jordanian military sources confirmed that they intercepted drones and missiles crossing into their territory during the night.
Travelers stranded, business disrupted, and uncertainty over when normalcy will resume have added a new dimension to the crisis, turning it from a bilateral confrontation to a regional emergency.
US and Global Response: Diplomacy on the Brink
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the United States was not involved in the Israeli operation but acknowledged that American forces in the region have been placed on high alert.
“Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” Rubio warned, reiterating that while the U.S. supports Israel’s right to self-defense, the Biden administration remains committed to avoiding direct conflict.
Former President Donald Trump, who had been lobbying for renewed nuclear talks with Iran, appeared on Fox News late Friday, saying:
“I knew the Israelis would act. Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear bomb.”
Trump’s proposed diplomatic summit with Iran scheduled for Sunday is now likely in jeopardy, with analysts doubting Tehran’s willingness to engage after the assassination of its top brass.
Ambassador Azar Issues Dire Warning
Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, issued a stern warning:
“Iran must come to the table with clean hands. If not, the outcome will be catastrophic.”
Azar emphasized that Operation Rising Lion was not a rogue military action, but a “necessary preemptive strike” driven by hard intelligence about Iran’s progress toward building a nuclear bomb.
He highlighted three major threats:
Iran’s nuclear ambition
A rapid buildup of ballistic missiles—up to 20,000 in six years
Support to proxy militias surrounding Israel such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and groups in Iraq and Yemen
“This is not just defense. It’s about preventing the rise of a regional superpower with nuclear weapons,” Azar said.
Fears of Escalation: “Ring of Fire” Scenario
Analysts are warning that the current situation could trigger a multi-front war. Iran’s extensive network of proxy forces—in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and Gaza—pose a constant threat to Israel from multiple directions.
Security experts have dubbed this the “Ring of Fire” strategy—a slow encirclement that could lead to a sustained and bloody conflict if activated simultaneously.
Indeed, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen have already issued statements of solidarity with Iran, promising a “coordinated response” if the strikes continue.
State of Emergency: Israel and Iran on War Footing
Israel’s Defence Minister Ian Katz announced a nationwide state of emergency, activating civil defense protocols and ordering shelters to open in cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council met in an emergency session and has reportedly authorized “continued drone and missile retaliation” over the coming days. Analysts suggest Iran could target Israeli nuclear sites, embassies, or allied forces in the Gulf region.
The situation remains extremely fluid.
Final Outlook: A Region at the Brink
As dawn breaks on a region gripped by fear and uncertainty, the Middle East teeters on the edge of a full-scale war. With both Israel and Iran refusing to back down, and global players urging restraint, the next 48 hours may determine the direction of this unfolding crisis.
If diplomatic channels collapse, and proxy groups are activated, the region could descend into a prolonged, devastating war that may draw in other nations—including the United States, Russia, and NATO members.
