On June 13, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched “Operation Rising Lion,” deploying approximately 200 fighter jets in a major airstrike offensive targeting over 100 locations across western Iran. Key facilities struck included Iran’s Natanz and Fordo uranium enrichment sites, ballistic missile-production plants, Revolutionary Guard bases, and residences tied to senior IRGC commanders—including Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami and Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, according to Israeli sources and reported by Reuters, The Guardian, and AP.
Shortly thereafter, Iran launched a drone barrage, dispatching more than 100 Shahed-class unmanned aerial vehicles toward Israeli territory. Israeli air defenses intercepted the majority of the drones, and regional airspace closures were swiftly enacted. Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran all restricted flights over their territories. In Israel, Ben Gurion International Airport halted operations and diverted inbound flights to Cyprus and Greece; El Al and Israir suspended all departures and arrivals. Jordan grounded all flights at Queen Alia International, and Iraq closed its airspace citing “regional escalation risk,” while Iran restricted flights in the affected corridor.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that there were no abnormal radiation levels at Iran’s nuclear sites. Director-General Rafael Grossi reported that Natanz, Fordo, and the Bushehr nuclear power plant were unaffected and that no breaches were detected from the strikes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes as necessary to preempt Tehran’s growing nuclear and missile capacity, pledging that IDF operations “will continue for as many days as it takes”. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the actions as crimes against Iran and vowed “harsh punishment” in response.
In parallel, the State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the U.S. had been informed in advance but had no operational role. Rubio cautioned Iran against targeting American interests and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense .
Global markets responded immediately: Brent crude jumped over 7%—surpassing $75 per barrel—while U.S. futures dropped nearly 1.7%. Investors poured into safe-haven assets amid fears that the Strait of Hormuz could become a flashpoint.
Airlines rerouted flights, and Gulf carriers including Emirates and Air India halted services to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
The drone strikes triggered civil alerts across Israel and neighboring countries. Tel Aviv canceled its planned Pride parade, and Israeli National Security Council issued travel advisories for citizens abroad. U.S. embassies across the region also instructed personnel to shelter in place.
The U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled in Oman have been postponed following the escalation. Many international stakeholders, including Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and the UAE, are urging immediate de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.
