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Operation Rising Lion unleashed: How Israel used deception, drones, and 200 fighter jets to cripple Iran's nuclear ambitions
Israel carried out a sweeping air and covert strike inside Iran early Friday, marking the most significant direct military assault on the Islamic Republic in over three decades. The mission—codenamed Operation Rising Lion—targeted more than 100 strategic locations including nuclear facilities, missile sites, and air defence systems.
The Israeli military confirmed that the strike killed senior Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, General Hossein Salami, and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh. In addition, six Iranian nuclear scientists were confirmed dead.
Netanyahu: 'We struck the heart of Iran's programme'
Announcing the operation in a televised statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack would continue 'for as many days as it takes' to eliminate Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions.
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'We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme,' Netanyahu said, confirming that Israeli forces had targeted key sites like the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, Iranian missile factories, and the scientists believed to be developing a nuclear bomb.
Eyewitnesses reported plumes of black smoke over Natanz. Satellite images later confirmed significant structural damage, particularly to underground facilities housing centrifuges and control systems.
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Iran-Israel War: 200 fighter jets, 100+ targets hit
According to the
Israel Defence Forces
(IDF), over 200 fighter jets participated in the strikes, launching precision-guided munitions at military and nuclear targets across Iran. 'Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,' the IDF said.
A military spokesman, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, stated that airstrikes had successfully destroyed radar sites and missile defences in western Iran, creating temporary air corridors.
'The underground area of Iran's Natanz facility was damaged. This area contains a multi-storey enrichment hall with centrifuges, electrical rooms and additional supporting infrastructure,' the IDF added.
Israel warns of 'existential threat'
The Israeli military said the strike was necessary to delay Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons. 'Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon,' the IDF said. 'Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and to the wider world.'
Israel also declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory action from Tehran.
Iran-Israel War: Iran retaliates with drone swarms
Shortly after the Israeli strikes, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israeli territory. Brigadier General Defrin said most were intercepted before reaching their targets.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded with a warning: 'With this crime, the Zionist regime has set itself for a bitter and painful fate, and it will definitely receive it.'
The Iranian military said its response would not be limited. 'There are no limits in responding to this crime,' an official statement read. Armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi added, 'Israel will pay a heavy price.'
Iran-Israel War: Covert sabotage and misdirection
In parallel with its air campaign, Israel also executed a series of covert operations inside Iran. Citing senior officials, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported that Mossad had pre-positioned explosive drones near Iranian missile systems, activating them during the strikes.
The Jerusalem Post revealed that Israeli authorities had deliberately misled the public by framing a Thursday night cabinet meeting as focused on Gaza hostage talks. The real agenda was a military greenlight for
Operation Rising Lion
. Ministers signed confidentiality agreements known as Shomer Sod ('guardian of the secret') to maintain secrecy.
Israeli defence officials believe this deception allowed them to catch Iran off guard and maximise the strike's impact.
Casualty reports from Iran indicated at least 95 wounded, with several killed in missile site blasts. Tehran claimed some civilian areas were also hit, though Israel has not confirmed those claims.
Iran's Foreign Ministry said the attacks justify the nation's push to enhance nuclear and missile capabilities. 'The world now better understands Iran's insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power,' a ministry statement said.
Tehran also blamed the United States for indirectly enabling the strikes. 'The Zionist regime's aggressive actions against Iran cannot have been carried out without the coordination and permission of the United States,' the Foreign Ministry stated.
As tension escalates, airspace over Iraq, Jordan, and parts of the Gulf remains restricted. Brent crude briefly spiked by over 12% before stabilising. Israel's main airport was temporarily shut, while Iran moved museum treasures into vaults and cancelled public events.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Natanz had sustained damage and was being monitored for radiation.
While Israel's military claimed early success, experts say the days ahead will determine whether Operation Rising Lion stays a strategic win—or spirals into a prolonged regional war. As of now, both sides remain on high alert.
