KKN Gurugram Desk | The Middle East stands on the brink of full-scale conflict after Israel launched a targeted airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, sparking fears of massive retaliation. In a bold military operation named Operation Rising Lion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces had successfully struck key Iranian sites, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility.

The operation, described by Israeli defense sources as “pre-emptive and strategic,” was conducted to prevent Iran from allegedly advancing its nuclear weapons program. The move, however, has triggered serious geopolitical ramifications, with Iran vowing to retaliate, and the United States cautioning Israel against further escalation.

 Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s Military Action on Iran

Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a press briefing on Friday, declared that Israel had “neutralized imminent nuclear threats” by launching precision airstrikes against multiple Iranian targets, primarily focused on nuclear infrastructure in Natanz.

This marks one of Israel’s most aggressive military actions in recent years. Analysts say it sends a direct message to both Tehran and the international community that Israel will not tolerate the emergence of a nuclear-armed Iran.

U.S. Concerned: Retaliation Could Be Catastrophic

In the aftermath of the attack, Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, expressed deep concern during a closed-door briefing with Republican Senators. According to reports by Axios, Witkoff warned that Iran could launch hundreds of ballistic missiles in retaliation, causing mass civilian casualties and overwhelming Israel’s defense systems.

Witkoff reportedly emphasized that Iran’s missile capabilities pose a threat equivalent to its nuclear ambitions, and that Israel’s Iron Dome and other air defense systems may not be able to withstand a large-scale missile barrage.

Despite U.S. calls for restraint, Israel went ahead with its operation. President Trump had earlier stated that a diplomatic resolution was close, urging Netanyahu to hold off on any military action. However, those warnings were ultimately disregarded.

 Iran’s Response: Vows of Retaliation, Leader Calls for “Severe Punishment”

Following the airstrikes, Iran issued a strongly worded warning, holding both the United States and Israel accountable for the attack. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly stated that any aggression towards its nuclear sites would trigger retaliation, specifically targeting U.S. military bases across the Middle East.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli assault and vowed “severe punishment” for what he termed an “act of war.” The country has placed its armed forces on high alert and mobilized its missile units in preparation for a possible counteroffensive.

 Death of Revolutionary Guard Commander Confirmed

Iranian state media confirmed the death of General Hossein Salami, the high-ranking commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in the Israeli strike. A national television anchor read a statement confirming his death, although further details were not provided.

General Salami was considered a powerful military and ideological figure within Iran’s defense establishment. His death could significantly escalate the conflict, as Iran’s leadership is unlikely to let the event go unanswered.

 Ballistic Missile Production Accelerates in Iran

According to U.S. intelligence shared with Axios, Iran has dramatically ramped up its ballistic missile production over the past year. As of now, the country is reportedly manufacturing around 50 ballistic missiles per month, outpacing Israel’s capacity to intercept them.

This rapid buildup is believed to be aimed at creating a strategic deterrent against potential Israeli or American strikes. A senior U.S. defense official noted that Iran’s growing missile stockpile is intended to saturate Israel’s missile defense systems during future conflicts.

 US-Iran Nuclear Talks Hang in the Balance

Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Oman this weekend to continue U.S.-Iran backchannel negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. However, diplomatic progress is now in jeopardy following the Israeli airstrikes.

Earlier, Witkoff had raised concerns in diplomatic circles about Iran’s increasing missile capabilities and urged caution on the Israeli side. Now, with direct military confrontation underway, the possibility of reviving the nuclear deal framework seems increasingly remote.

 India Issues Travel Advisory for Citizens in the Region

In response to the growing instability, India has issued a travel advisory, urging all Indian nationals in Israel and Iran to stay near security establishments and avoid non-essential movement.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has set up emergency helplines in Tel Aviv and Tehran and is closely monitoring the developments. With a large diaspora community in the region, the Indian government is preparing for possible evacuations should the situation deteriorate further.

Experts warn that this confrontation could spiral into a larger regional conflict. Iran-backed militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthis in Yemen may launch coordinated attacks against Israel or U.S. interests in the region in solidarity with Iran.

Furthermore, global oil markets have responded nervously, with crude prices spiking nearly 10% overnight, fueled by fears of supply disruption from the Persian Gulf.