On June 13, 2025, the world woke to news of Israel’s audacious military operation, Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. This wasn’t just another skirmish in the decades-long Iran-Israel rivalry—it marked a bold escalation, thrusting the Middle East into a precarious new phase.

Yes, the Middle East is once again at the center of global attention, as the long-standing and complex rivalry between Israel and Iran has escalated into a direct and intense military conflict. At the heart of this confrontation lies Israel’s recently launched Operation Rising Lion, a bold and unprecedented air campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. For many of us watching from India and around the world, understanding the nuances of this conflict is crucial—not only because of the geopolitical implications but also because it affects regional stability and global energy markets that impact our daily lives.

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the origins, developments, and significance of Operation Rising Lion, the ongoing iran and israel war, and what it means for the future. We’ll also share insights from an Indian perspective, aiming to provide clarity amid the noise and help you grasp why this conflict matters beyond the headlines.

What is Operation Rising Lion? The Name and Its Meaning

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military campaign against Iran, he chose a name steeped in symbolism: Operation Rising Lion. This name is drawn from a biblical verse in the Book of Numbers (23:24), which says, “Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion…” Netanyahu even placed a handwritten note with this verse at the Western Wall in Jerusalem before the operation began, signaling the deep emotional and spiritual significance Israel attaches to this mission.

Why Now, Why does this matter - The Roots of the Conflict

To understand this flare-up, let’s rewind. Iran and Israel have been locked in a “shadow war” for decades, fueled by ideological clashes and regional power struggles. Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen—part of its “Axis of Resistance”—has long irked Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s covert operations, like cyberattacks and assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, have kept tensions simmering.

The big trigger-  Iran’s nuclear program. Israel views it as an existential threat, fearing a nuclear-armed Iran could shift the regional balance. Recent reports suggested Iran was enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels, prompting Israel to act. As an Indian news outlet, we see parallels here with regional tensions in South Asia, where nuclear ambitions often drive strategic decisions. Just as India navigates its own delicate balance with neighbors, Israel’s preemptive strike reflects a high-stakes gamble to neutralize a perceived threat.

For Israel, a nation often guided by its historical and religious identity, such symbolism serves to rally the public and military alike, framing the conflict as not just a strategic necessity but a fight for survival and destiny. It’s a powerful narrative tool that connects the present struggle with ancient resilience, inspiring confidence amid uncertainty.

The Scale and Scope of the Operation

Operation Rising Lion is not just another military strike; it is the largest direct assault Israel has ever launched against Iran. In early June 2025, Israel deployed around 200 fighter jets and launched over 330 precision munitions targeting nearly 100 Iranian sites. These included critical nuclear facilities at Natanz, Arak, Isfahan, and Tehran, as well as military airbases and air defense systems.

The operation’s precision and scale were made possible by years of intelligence gathering and covert preparations by Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. They reportedly established drone bases inside Iran and smuggled in advanced weapons and commandos to ensure the strikes would be effective and minimize Israeli losses. The campaign reportedly killed more than 20 high-ranking Iranian military commanders, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami and Iranian Army chief Mohammad Bagheri, as well as several nuclear scientists.

From an Indian viewpoint, the scale of this operation is remarkable. It highlights Israel’s advanced military capabilities and intelligence prowess, which are often subjects of interest for India’s own defense and strategic community. The operation demonstrates how modern warfare increasingly relies on intelligence, technology, and precision rather than sheer numbers.

Israel’s operation was surgical yet devastating. Over two days, starting June 13, IAF jets hit:

• Natanz Nuclear Facility: A critical blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, though no radioactive leaks were reported.
• Military Targets: Missile launchers, air defense systems, and bases like Parchin near Tehran were struck.
• Leadership Decapitation: Key figures, including IRGC Chief Salami and Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri, were killed, alongside nuclear scientists, in what some call a “large-scale assassination operation.”
• Tehran Strikes: Explosions rocked the Shahid Chamran Nobonyad Complex, a defense ministry-linked site, and residential areas housing military commanders.

Iran’s Retaliation: A New Phase of Escalation

Iran didn’t sit idle, its response was swift and forceful. It retaliated with over 100 drones and dozens of ballistic missiles targeting Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa. Iranian media claimed 78 deaths, including 20 children, while Israel reported 10 deaths and over 200 injuries. Both sides’ casualty figures are unverified, but the human toll is undeniable. For Indians, this evokes memories of cross-border strikes and retaliatory cycles, like those between India and Pakistan, where civilian lives often hang in the balance.

In the days following the Israeli strikes, Iran launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities and military bases near Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Bat Yam. These attacks resulted in civilian casualties, with at least 10 Israelis killed and hundreds injured.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned Israel’s actions as “satanic” and vowed harsh retaliation, signaling that the conflict could spiral further. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed their involvement in the missile strikes, emphasizing that this was only the beginning if Israel continued its attacks.

For Indian readers, this tit-for-tat exchange underscores a dangerous shift from proxy conflicts and covert operations to direct, open warfare between two regional powers. The risk of a broader regional war involving other Middle Eastern countries or global powers is real and concerning. This ongoing Iran and Israel war is thus entering a new and more dangerous phase.

Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Impact

The military confrontation has severely impacted diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran suspended nuclear talks that were scheduled to take place in Oman, citing Israel’s airstrikes as a major obstacle. The United States, while supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, has urged restraint and expressed a preference for diplomacy to avoid further escalation.

From India’s perspective, the disruption of nuclear talks is worrying because it reduces the chances of a peaceful resolution and increases uncertainty in an already volatile region. India, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil and gas, watches closely as any instability could affect global energy prices and supply chains.

The Human and Psychological Toll

Beyond the strategic and political dimensions, the conflict has a profound human cost. Israeli civilians have faced missile attacks on their cities, leading to loss of life, injuries, and widespread fear. In Iran, the destruction of military and nuclear sites, as well as the killing of scientists and commanders, has created a climate of anxiety and uncertainty.

For many Indians, who have family and business ties in the Middle East, the conflict’s human impact resonates deeply. It reminds us that behind the geopolitical chessboard are real people whose lives are disrupted by decisions made far away.

What Does This Mean for India and the World?

For both Indian and global citizens, we see several key takeaways from the ongoing Iran and Israel war:

1. Geopolitical Stability Matters: The Middle East remains a critical region for global peace and economic stability. Any escalation here sends ripples worldwide, affecting markets, migration, and security.
2. Intelligence and Technology in Modern Warfare: Israel’s Operation Rising Lion showcases how intelligence, technology, and precision strikes define contemporary conflicts. India’s own defense modernization efforts can draw lessons from this.
3. The Limits of Military Solutions: While the operation dealt a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, it has not ended the conflict or Iran’s ambitions. Military action alone may not bring lasting peace.
4. Diplomacy Must Continue: Despite setbacks, diplomatic channels remain vital. India supports peaceful dialogue and hopes for renewed negotiations to prevent further bloodshed.
5. Human Stories Are Central: Beyond politics and strategy, the conflict affects everyday people. Awareness and empathy are essential as we follow these developments.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Awareness and Understanding

In a world where news cycles move fast and information overload is common, it’s easy to overlook the complexity behind headlines like “Israel attacks Iran” or “Iran retaliates.” The ongoing Iran and Israel war are not just military events; they are chapters in a long, complicated story of history, identity, fear, and survival.

Understanding this conflict helps us appreciate the delicate balance of peace and the high stakes involved. It reminds us that global events are interconnected, and what happens thousands of miles away can influence our lives in unexpected ways.

We at TheUnitedIndian encourage you to stay informed, seek out diverse perspectives, and engage in conversations about these issues. Awareness is the first step toward empathy and, ultimately, toward supporting peaceful solutions.