On June 13, 2025, Operation Rising Lion erupted into a major military conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. Israel targeted Iran's nuclear and military establishments, prompting Iran to launch hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones in response. By June 18, 2025, this escalation had resulted in widespread devastation, with 24 fatalities, over 804 injuries, and the displacement of thousands.
Operation Rising Lion: Initiation and Ambition
Operation Rising Lion was a strategic military endeavor by Israel aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile capabilities. With concerted efforts from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Mossad, strategic strikes were conducted on Iran's nuclear centers, military bases, and missile sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
Further Reading: Is Iran losing its grip on air supremacy? Netanyahu, Trump raise concerns... Who controls the skies?
Source: aajtak
The operation launched on the night of June 13 eliminated multiple Iranian military commanders, including Hossein Salami (IRGC Commander-in-Chief) and Mohammad Bagheri (Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces). In retaliation, Iran deployed hundreds of missiles and drones onto Israeli soil under Operation True Promise III. This onslaught was notable in its intensity compared to smaller-scale attacks in April and October 2024.
Attack and Impact: Fresh Data (June 18, 2025, 9:30 AM)
According to the latest reports, massive assaults occurred during this timeline...
Assaults:
Approximately 400 ballistic missiles were fired, including Iran's Fateh-1 hypersonic missiles. Hundreds of drones (UAVs) were launched, many of which were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow-3 defense systems. About 40 sites, notably in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ramat Gan, Rishon LeZion, and Bat Yam, were hit.
Further Reading: Could Iran’s nuclear arms become its doom? Israel steadily degrading its centrifuges and nuclear sites
Casualties:
There were 24 recorded deaths, including 5 in Tamra (near Haifa) and 1 individual in Bat Yam. Over 804 were injured, with 8 in critical condition. 41 suffered moderate injuries, while 755 experienced minor wounds. Most injuries involved individuals outside bomb shelters during attacks.
Damages:
Israel's tax authority has recorded 18,766 damage claims: 15,861 related to buildings and structures, 1,272 concerning vehicles, and 1,633 involving other properties.
A modern residential building in Tel Aviv was completely destroyed, igniting multiple apartments. In Ramat Gan, 9 structures were razed with hundreds more damaged. Four homes were affected in Rishon LeZion. A missile caused destruction near IDF headquarters at Kirya.
Evacuations:
3,800 individuals were relocated to safety from their homes. Rescue teams are actively extracting individuals from debris in areas like Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Bat Yam. Further Reading: GBU-57A - Why Israel needs it to erase Iran's nuclear hub
Source: aajtak
Iran’s Counteractions and Israel’s Strategy
Iran executed six missile attacks from June 13 to June 18 under its Operation True Promise III. Most missiles were thwarted by Israeli and American missile defense systems, but a few impacted residential areas. Iran claimed the use of Haj Qassem guided ballistic missiles, which Israel denied, labeling them as standard missiles.
Israel dismantled over 120 Iranian missile launchers and 40 air defense systems, significantly reducing Iran’s retaliatory capability. Months prior, Mossad smuggled drone components into Iran, assembling hundreds of quadcopter drones targeting air defenses and missile launchers. Israel inflicted considerable damage on Natanz's nuclear facility, confirmed by IAEA’s validation of underground centrifuges’ destruction.
Further Reading: The power of the hypersonic Fatah-1 Iran launched at Israel?
Source: aajtak
Assessing Damages and Future Outcomes
Israel claims it inflicted heavy losses on Iran’s military leadership, nuclear scientists, and missile strength. IDF noted that Iran now launches fewer missiles, their launch systems significantly impaired. However, Iran retains about 2000 missiles, with projections suggesting an increase to 8000 within two years.
Teshuvah to commercial continuity: The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange is operating normally to maintain economic stability. However, residential areas suffer, prompting many to seek refuge in bomb shelters. In Iran, 224 were killed, and over 1300 were injured, predominantly civilians.
Enduring Consequences
Operation Rising Lion positioned the Middle East on the threshold of harsh warfare. Israel’s calculated strategy and Mossad’s intelligence precision diminished Iran's military prowess, though Iran's counter-missiles inflicted substantial damage on Israel. The conflict resulted in 24 deaths, 804 injuries, 18,766 damage claims, and the evacuation of 3,800 individuals, highlighting the conflict's gravity. Its cessation remains uncertain, continuing to affect regional stability long-term.
