Israel carried out a major military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear program on Thursday, just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Israeli leaders to avoid military escalation in favor of diplomatic negotiations.
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The operation, named “Rising Lion,” was described by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a “preemptive, precise, combined offensive” against what Israeli officials call an existential threat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, confirmed the assault and said, “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also warned Israeli citizens of an imminent retaliatory strike. “A missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” he said.
The operation involved dozens of Israeli fighter jets targeting multiple Iranian military and nuclear sites. According to Iranian state media, key figures were killed in the strikes, including IRGC commander Gen. Hossein Salami, senior commander Gholamali Rashid, and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi.
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.” pic.twitter.com/3c8oF1GCYa
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 13, 2025
Despite not participating in the attack, the United States was informed in advance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the prior notice and warned Iran against targeting American personnel or installations. In anticipation of Iranian retaliation, the U.S. evacuated diplomatic staff from Iraq and ordered the withdrawal of military families from unspecified bases across the region.
President Trump, speaking earlier on Thursday, reiterated his preference for a diplomatic solution. “We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue,” he said in a Truth Social post. “They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.”
Trump reportedly opposed the Israeli strike to avoid jeopardizing upcoming nuclear negotiations with Tehran. The sixth round of talks was scheduled for this weekend.
The strikes caused oil prices to jump more than 7% amid fears of a broader regional war. U.S. stock futures fell for the same reason, with Dow futures down more than 600 points.
The global response to the Israeli strike was divided. Republican lawmakers backed Israel’s actions. Senator Lindsey Graham posted “Game on. Pray for Israel,” while Senator Ted Cruz stated, “We should stand unequivocally with the State of Israel.” On the other hand, Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concern, calling the development “deeply disturbing” and warning that it could spiral “entirely out of control.”
The IDF has justified the operation by citing recent intelligence and the rapid progress of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report indicated Iran now possesses over 900 pounds of uranium enriched up to 60%—a 50% increase since February. Experts warn that advancing this stockpile to weapons-grade levels (90%) could take less than a week.
Gen. Michael Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, testified before Congress this week, warning that Iran may now be capable of producing material for up to 10 nuclear weapons within three weeks.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have soared since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has since launched major offensives against Iranian proxies including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. Iran has responded with direct missile attacks on Israel twice in the past year, though most of those projectiles were intercepted.
Israel’s advanced, multilayered air defense system is on high alert amid fears of a new Iranian barrage. With both nations now engaged in direct conflict, the possibility of a broader regional war has escalated dramatically.
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