Israel Launches Operation Rising Lion, Escalating Conflict with Iran

On June 13, 2025, Israel initiated "Operation Rising Lion," a large-scale military offensive targeting over 100 sites across Iran, including key nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Tehran. The operation involved more than 200 Israeli fighter jets conducting multiple airstrikes, resulting in significant damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure and the deaths of key military and nuclear personnel.

The Israeli Air Force executed five waves of airstrikes, deploying over 330 munitions on approximately 100 targets. Concurrently, Mossad operatives conducted sabotage operations, disabling Iran's air defense systems and missile infrastructure. This included smuggling precision weapons and establishing a covert drone base near Tehran to neutralize air defenses, thereby securing air superiority for Israeli aircraft.

In response, Iran launched "Operation True Promise 3," firing missiles at Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. These strikes resulted in civilian casualties and activated Israel's air defense systems. Notably, Iran claimed to have fired hypersonic "Fattah 1" missiles at Israel, raising concerns over a potential escalation. However, experts remain skeptical about Iran's capabilities, noting that while the missiles may reach hypersonic speeds, they lack the advanced maneuverability required to be considered true hypersonic weapons.

The conflict has led to substantial loss of life and heightened regional tensions. In Israel, at least 24 civilians have been killed, with over 200 injured. In Iran, reports indicate over 220 fatalities. The attacks have also caused significant infrastructural damage, including impacts on the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot and oil facilities in Haifa.

The United States has expressed concern over the escalating situation. President Donald Trump has remained ambiguous about potential U.S. military involvement, stating he might join Israel's efforts but also hinting at diplomacy by mentioning a potential meeting with Iranian officials. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of irreversible consequences if the U.S. intervenes militarily.

The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross have called on both parties to protect civilians and exercise restraint. Reports of small-scale crossings into Turkey and Azerbaijan by individuals fearing further conflict have been documented, although no mass international refugee movement has yet materialized.

The conflict has deeply affected civilian populations in both countries. In Israel, civilians are sheltering from missile strikes amid widespread shortages of essentials. Public bomb shelters and reinforced rooms are heavily relied upon, highlighting the uneven distribution of protective infrastructure—particularly impacting Bedouin and Palestinian Israeli communities. Despite facing destruction, many Israelis have expressed strong support for the military campaign, viewing it as a necessary step to eliminate a longstanding threat.

In Iran, the government attempted to minimize panic, referring to the Israeli strikes as "isolated terrorist acts." However, humanitarian groups estimate that over 100,000 people have left Tehran, either temporarily or permanently. Hospitals in northern provinces have reported an uptick in stress-related admissions, and the Iranian Red Crescent Society has deployed mobile clinics to major highway junctions and rest areas.

The conflict has also had economic repercussions. The iShares MSCI Israel ETF (EIS) is currently trading at $87.29, with a slight increase of 0.91% from the previous close. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is trading at $597.44, with a marginal decrease of 0.038% from the previous close. These figures suggest that while the conflict has introduced volatility, the broader market impact remains limited at this time.

The intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran has profound implications for regional stability and international relations. As both nations continue their military engagements, the global community remains on high alert, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic interventions to prevent further escalation and loss of life.