Imagine months of planning, secret missions, and cutting-edge technology all coming together under cover of night.
That’s exactly what played out this week as Israel launched what many are calling the deadliest and most sophisticated military strike on Iranian soil in nearly 50 years—aimed squarely at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities and weakening its leadership.
Early-Morning Assault Targets Nuclear Infrastructure
Around 1 a.m. UK time, approximately 200 Israeli jets took off—but the real work had begun far earlier.
Israeli operatives embedded in Iran, including Mossad agents and special forces, had already smuggled in weapons, prepared drones, and set the stage for what was dubbed Operation Rising Lion.
With U.S. officials blindsided even as nuclear talks were being arranged, the mission kicked into high gear.
Nuclear Enrichment Halted, Defenses Destroyed
By the time the jets arrived, Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites had been strongly damaged, radar stations and missile systems wiped out, and key nuclear scientists killed.
The strike hit Iran’s scientific and military elite, making it clear Israel’s goal was twofold: sabotage the nuclear program and shake Tehran’s political foundations.
Natanz Hit Hard, But No Radiation Spike
A major focus of the attack was the Natanz enrichment facility in Isfahan province—home to tens of thousands of centrifuges fueling Iran’s uranium stockpile.
Israeli jets, with ground support from drone-detonation teams, severely damaged the multi-story enrichment hall but left the Bushehr power plant untouched, preventing radioactive fallout.
Covert Special Forces and Drone Hits Across Iran
Israel’s elite troops didn’t stop there—swarming radar installations across western Iran with kamikaze drones assembled on-site.
Hits were reported at Tabriz’s airport and oil refinery, and at Hamedan’s Nojeh airbase, where Israeli warheads reportedly struck a bunker housing top Iranian officers.
High-Ranking Killed: Military and Scientific Losses
Iran later confirmed the deaths of several high-profile figures, including Major Generals Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri, aerospace commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi, and other experts in academia and the IRGC.
These weren’t just collateral damage—they were a direct blow to Iran’s leadership.
Israel Shuts Down Airspace and Braces for Retaliation
During the operation, Israel closed its skies, paused Med gas production, and prepped for Iran’s response.
Indeed, Iran retaliated with over 100 drones aimed at Israel; many were intercepted by missiles or shot down over Syria.
Iran’s state media denied drone activity, claiming any counterstrike was “coming soon.”
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Responses
The strike instantly sparked international reactions: U.S. officials confirmed they were warned but didn’t participate militarily; the UN called for calm.
Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar condemned the strike.
In Europe, Britain urged restraint while Germany, France, and Russia joined diplomatic efforts.
Trump publicly supported Israel, urging Iran to negotiate before it’s too late.
Middle East Tensions Reach a New High
As Israel declares this may just be “the beginning,” global leaders are scrambling.
The UN is convening emergency meetings, world powers are deploying diplomatic channels, and military cooperation agreements—like the one between Russia and Iran—are being tested under enormous stress.
With Iran’s hardest blow in decades still reverberating, many fear this marks a tipping point for regional conflict.