Israel vs Iran: Full Story, Secret Ops & Future War Scenarios -Middle East on Edge

Summary

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Line, targeting Iran’s key nuclear and military sites. The operation included sophisticated missile and drone strikes, backed by covert cyber and radar sabotage. This action was precipitated by Iran's breach of nuclear safeguards, increasing tensions in the Middle East. The strike sets a significant precedent in Israel's long-standing efforts to prevent Iran’s nuclear weapon development. Global powers, including the US, Russia, and China, have stakes in the fallout, with potential geopolitical shifts and ripple effects. India, with strategic ties to both Israel and Iran, must navigate the diplomatic and economic consequences of this escalation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Israel launched Operation Rising Line on June 13, 2025, targeting over 28 sites in Iran, including nuclear sites and military facilities.
• 😀 The operation utilized advanced air-launched ballistic and cruise missiles, likely fired from bases in Iraq or the Persian Gulf, striking from outside Iran's airspace.
• 😀 Israel's success in the strike was facilitated by preemptive sabotage of Iran's radar and missile systems by Mossad, ensuring surprise and overwhelming Iran's defenses.
• 😀 Key targets included Iran's main uranium enrichment site at Natanz, ballistic missile factories, and IRGC bases, with the deaths of senior nuclear scientists and IRGC commanders.
• 😀 Tensions had been rising, with US officials signaling the possibility of Israeli action and President Trump voicing support for Israel’s right to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
• 😀 The IAEA confirmed Iran’s breach of nuclear safeguards and enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels, prompting Israel to act in what it justified as a defense measure.
• 😀 Israel’s actions are part of a long-standing strategy to disrupt Iran’s nuclear progress, dating back to previous operations such as Stuxnet (2010) and multiple sabotage events at Natanz.
• 😀 The operation echoes Israel's historic policy of preemptive strikes to prevent hostile nations in the region from acquiring nuclear weapons, similar to Operation Opera against Iraq in 1981.
• 😀 A nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to Israel, with Israeli leaders arguing that even the potential for a single bomb would endanger their survival.
• 😀 The strike has global implications, with major powers like the US, Russia, and China reacting in varied ways. The US supported Israel’s actions, while Russia condemned it, and China has remained largely silent.
• 😀 India, with strategic ties to both Iran and Israel, will need to carefully navigate this crisis, balancing energy concerns, security interests, and potential diplomatic challenges.

Q & A

What triggered Israel’s Operation Rising Line against Iran?

The operation was triggered by rising tensions over Iran's nuclear program, particularly after the IAEA report in May 2025, which indicated Iran was enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels and concealing information about nuclear materials. Israel saw this as an existential threat.

How did Israel manage to carry out a successful strike on Iran despite its advanced air defense systems?

Israel's success was due to careful planning and preparation. Mossad operatives had sabotaged Iran’s radar and missile batteries in advance, and the use of high-speed missiles and drones, combined with electronic and cyber interference, overwhelmed Iran's air defense systems.

What was the impact of the June 13, 2025, Israeli strike on Iran?

The strike caused significant damage to Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility and IRGC bases. It resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders, with Iran admitting the destruction of hundreds of centrifuges.

Why was the timing of the Israeli strike critical?

The timing was critical because of the IAEA's findings in June 2025, which indicated that Iran was violating its nuclear safeguards. Additionally, Israel had received explicit support from the United States, which had indicated the possibility of such an attack.

What historical precedent does Israel’s Operation Rising Line have?

Israel’s Operation Rising Line follows a long history of preemptive strikes to prevent nuclear proliferation, including the 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor (Operation Opera), the 2007 strike on Syria, and numerous covert operations against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

How does the international community view Israel’s actions regarding Iran’s nuclear program?

The international community has been divided on Israel's actions. While some countries, like the United States, have supported Israel's right to self-defense, others, including Russia and China, have condemned the strikes and expressed support for Iran. Israel’s actions are often seen as a necessary step to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, but they are also considered violations of international law.

How has Iran’s nuclear program evolved, and what steps has Israel taken to disrupt it?

Iran’s nuclear program has progressed over the years, with enrichment levels increasing and nuclear facilities becoming more fortified. Israel has used various tactics to delay Iran's progress, including cyberattacks like Stuxnet, sabotage operations, and direct strikes on facilities like Natanz. These efforts aim to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

What was the significance of the 2025 IAEA report on Iran?

The 2025 IAEA report was significant because it marked the first time in 20 years that Iran was found to be in breach of its safeguards obligations. This report confirmed that Iran was enriching uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels, leading to increased international concern and Israel’s subsequent military strike.

How does Iran justify its nuclear program, and how do its actions contradict international agreements?

Iran justifies its nuclear program as peaceful, citing its right to develop nuclear energy. However, its actions, such as enriching uranium beyond the limits set by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and limiting IAEA access to certain facilities, have raised concerns that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.

What potential global and regional consequences could arise from the Israeli strike on Iran?

The Israeli strike could lead to regional instability, including retaliatory actions from Iran through missile attacks, proxy warfare, or cyberattacks. It could also escalate into a broader Middle Eastern conflict, affecting global energy markets, shipping lanes, and geopolitical alliances. India, as a key player in the region, could face economic and security challenges due to its strategic ties with both Iran and Israel.