KKN Gurugram Desk | The already fragile relationship between Israel and Iran has entered a dangerous new phase after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launch of large-scale military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The operation, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion”, began with strikes that reportedly killed at least 78 people in Iran and injured more than 320 others.

Speaking at a press briefing, Netanyahu revealed that the authorization for these attacks had been granted six months earlier, in November 2024, with the initial strike plans scheduled for April 2025. However, strategic delays led to the recent implementation of the assault, primarily focused on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities in Isfahan.

 What is Operation Rising Lion?

According to Israeli officials, Operation Rising Lion is a military offensive aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which Israel believes pose an existential threat. The mission began with precision airstrikes targeting facilities believed to be involved in uranium enrichment and nuclear weapons development.

“We had planned this months ago. The world cannot allow Iran to become a nuclear-armed state,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his national address on Friday night.

He added that additional strikes may continue until Israel is assured that Iran’s nuclear capabilities are completely neutralized.

 Target: Iran’s Isfahan Nuclear Site

The most significant strike in this phase of Operation Rising Lion hit Isfahan, one of Iran’s most critical nuclear centers. Isfahan is home to uranium conversion facilities that play a crucial role in Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle.

Videos circulating on Iranian social media and state-affiliated outlets show Iran’s air defense systems activating as missiles approached their targets. Several intercepts were reportedly successful, but damage to infrastructure and civilian casualties remain high.

Iranian authorities have condemned the strikes, calling them “acts of war”, and vowed retaliation.

 Iran Responds: Missile Strikes Kill 2 in Israel

Following the Israeli assault, Iran launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks, some of which were aimed at central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Two Israeli civilians were confirmed dead after one of the missiles struck a residential zone.

Reports from Israeli media outlets describe:

• Air raid sirens sounding across major cities

• Explosions heard in central Jerusalem

• Smoke plumes rising over Tel Aviv following impacts

• Citizens being rushed to emergency shelters

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iron Dome interceptors were activated in multiple regions, although some missiles breached the defense shield.

 A Rapidly Escalating Regional Conflict

This dramatic escalation has sent shockwaves through the international community. Analysts warn that the Israel-Iran conflict, if not contained, could spiral into a broader regional war potentially involving:

• Hezbollah in Lebanon

• Syrian militias

• U.S. and NATO forces in the Persian Gulf

• Pro-Iranian proxies in Iraq and Yemen

Global oil prices have already surged following news of the attacks, with Brent crude crossing $100 per barrel, raising fears of energy instability.

 Netanyahu’s Warning: “We Will Not Back Down”

In his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu made it clear that Israel will not halt its operations until the Iranian nuclear threat is completely dismantled.

“We are not looking for war, but we are prepared for one. If Iran continues down this path, we will intensify our response. We will defend our people, our land, and our future,” said Netanyahu.

He called on Western allies to recognize the urgency of the situation, urging NATO, the U.S., and the UN to take concrete steps against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

 Iran’s Air Defense in Action

Footage from Iranian news outlets showed surface-to-air missile systems intercepting incoming Israeli missiles. According to Iranian military officials:

• Multiple missiles were intercepted over Isfahan and Tehran

• Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and power grids, suffered partial damage

• Iran’s nuclear program remains “intact,” according to government statements

However, satellite imagery and international defense analysts have confirmed that key installations suffered heavy damage, and recovery will take time.

Scenes of Chaos in Both Nations

In Tehran, hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed with the injured, while emergency responders are working round the clock. In Israel, streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are eerily quiet, with residents taking shelter in underground bunkers amid sirens and missile alerts.

Major Israeli television stations broadcast visuals of smoke, fire, and damage caused by Iranian retaliatory missiles. The public has been urged to remain indoors and stock essential supplies.

 International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout

The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency session to address the rising tensions. U.S. Secretary of State issued a statement urging both countries to exercise restraint, while European Union leaders have called for immediate ceasefire talks.

China and Russia have blamed the West for fueling the conflict, pointing fingers at “unilateral provocations” by Israel.

Meanwhile, countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, have activated emergency preparedness plans and are monitoring the situation closely.

 What Happens Next?

The future of this Israel-Iran confrontation remains uncertain. Key questions remain:

• Will Israel launch another wave of attacks?

• Can Iran rally regional allies into a wider war?

• How will global powers respond to prevent escalation?

Military experts believe that unless international mediation begins swiftly, the situation could lead to an uncontrollable regional conflict.

The events unfolding under Operation Rising Lion mark one of the most significant escalations between Israel and Iran in recent history. With casualties on both sides and nuclear facilities now active targets, the stakes have never been higher.