In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a massive surprise assault on Iran early Friday, in what it called “Operation Rising Lion.”

The coordinated offensive, involving over 200 fighter jets, marked Israel's largest military operation against Iran since the Iran–Iraq War, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases, and the homes of senior Iranian officials.

The Details of Operation Rising Lion

According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Operation Rising Lion aimed to “neutralize the Islamic regime’s nuclear and missile capabilities.” In a video address, Netanyahu described the assault as “one of the greatest military operations in history,” confirming that the offensive had killed top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, and damaged key enrichment sites.

“More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them or what will hit them,” Netanyahu declared, adding a direct appeal to Iranian citizens: “Brave people of Iran, light defeats the darkness.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad were reportedly behind the precise and swift strikes. According to reports, Israel struck over 100 strategic sites, including Iran's most significant uranium enrichment facility.

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Iran’s Response: Ballistic Missiles Target Israeli Cities

Iran retaliated swiftly, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel. While Israeli and U.S. defense systems intercepted the majority, several missiles reached targets near Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, causing limited structural damage, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said.

“Iran has crossed red lines,” stated Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, vowing that the Islamic regime will “pay a very heavy price for its criminal actions.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded by declaring that “Israel initiated a war”, warning that further retaliation is imminent and calling Israel’s actions a “hit and run” that will not go unpunished.

Global Reactions and Rising Tensions

The United States played a supportive role, with two U.S. officials confirming that American military assets assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israel. No details were given on whether fighter jets or naval forces were involved.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump held a joint call, stressing the importance of diplomacy amid rising tensions. Trump praised the Israeli operation, calling it “excellent”, but extended an olive branch to Tehran, urging it to take a “second chance.”

What’s Next?

With 78 confirmed dead and 329 injured in Tehran alone (according to Iranian media), Operation Rising Lion has already left a devastating mark. Iran claims to have shot down multiple Israeli jets—claims that Israel denies.

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As the conflict threatens to spiral into a broader regional war, the world watches anxiously. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's fight is with the Iranian regime, not its people, urging Iranians to reclaim their country’s historic identity: “Woman, Life, Freedom – Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.”

• Watch Netanyahu’s full address
• The Independent: Israel-Iran conflict coverage