A turning point for the Middle East

On June 12, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear program, military leadership, and strategic infrastructure. Executed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this operation marks a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics, weakening Iran’s military capabilities and delaying its nuclear ambitions. Still ongoing, the campaign echoes Israel’s successful “Pager Operation” in Lebanon, which eliminated Hezbollah’s leadership, showcasing Israel’s precision and strategic dominance.

Israel’s primary objective, as stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to neutralize the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program. The operation unfolded in multiple phases. First, Israel struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, damaging its pilot enrichment plant, a hit verified by the UN nuclear watchdog. Second, over 200 Israeli aircraft deployed 330 munitions across 100 targets, including military bases, missile sites, and energy infrastructure such as Tehran’s largest fuel tank, amplifying Iran’s economic strain. These strikes also destroyed radar systems, surface-to-air missile launchers, and ballistic missile sites, severely limiting Iran’s retaliatory capacity.

Third, Israel conducted targeted assassinations of 20 senior Iranian figures, including the Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, the nation’s Aerospace Forces commander, the intelligence chief and deputy, eight nuclear scientists, and senior politician Ali Shamkhani. These eliminations crippled Iran’s military and nuclear leadership, disrupting command structures and undermining morale. The loss of elite scientists, with no immediate replacements, is, we hope, a devastating setback to Iran’s nuclear program.

The operation’s success hinges on Mossad’s deep infiltration of Iran.

Over years, operatives smuggled precision weapons and drones into the country and established covert bases near Tehran to target missile launchers and air defenses. Mossad disabled Iran’s Russian-supplied S-300PMU-2 systems, granting Israeli jets air superiority. Netanyahu’s claim that Israeli aircraft flew freely over Tehran humiliated Iran’s regime. Reports suggest Mossad now operates with significant freedom inside Iran, targeting sensitive sites and officials with precision, underscoring Israel’s intelligence and operational superiority.

The operation’s impact is profound.

The elimination of key commanders and scientists has triggered a leadership crisis in Iran. Over the past year, Israel has weakened Iran’s regional proxies—Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syrian forces—curtailing Iran’s ability to wage proxy warfare. The strikes have also delayed Iran’s nuclear program, though fortified sites like Fordow may require further action. Israel’s success relies partly on U.S. support, particularly from President Donald Trump, whose commitment to Israel’s security and opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions enabled the mission. However, Trump has avoided direct U.S. military involvement, leaving Israel to lead the effort.

Iran’s retaliation has been limited. Israel’s Iron Dome system has intercepted most of Iran’s ballistic missiles. Iran’s reliance on ballistic missiles, rather than drones or cruise missiles, reflects its depleted arsenal and operational constraints, exacerbated by Israel’s preemptive strikes on missile systems and air defenses. This vulnerability leaves Tehran exposed to future Israeli operations.

Operation Rising Lion highlights Israel’s ability to outmaneuver an adversary through tactical precision and intelligence. The strikes disrupted Iran’s military infrastructure and psychological stability, preventing a broader conflict. They offer a model for modern warfare, showing how targeted operations can shift the balance against a formidable foe.

The international community, especially nations valuing freedom, must support Israel unequivocally. The United States, under Trump’s leadership, has backed Israel’s campaign while urging Iran to abandon its nuclear goals.

Yet some nations hesitate, swayed by appeasement or fear. This is misguided. Iran’s regime promotes oppression and chaos. Failing to support Israel emboldens this threat, contradicting the call to uphold justice. Critics warn of escalation, but Israel’s philosophy of preemptively neutralizing existential threats has proven effective. Iran’s regime, which has enriched uranium to 60% and violated non-proliferation treaties, cannot be trusted with nuclear capabilities. Israel’s operations have delayed this threat, creating space for diplomacy or further action.

There are two important calls for the international community.

First, the international community must demand Iran’s denuclearization, dismantle its missile program, and hold its leaders accountable. In this struggle, Israel’s unparalleled military prowess and unwavering resolve have struck a decisive blow against Iran’s malevolent regime—a force that threatens not only the Jewish state but the very foundations of global freedom.

Second, the international community must also rally behind this beacon of hope, supporting Israel’s mission to eradicate the shadow of Islamic tyranny cast by Tehran and its Islamist regime. Israel’s fight extends beyond its survival, safeguarding regional stability and global security. Iran’s apocalyptic ideology threatens all who value freedom. Supporting Israel’s bold operations aligns with good causes for humanity. Nations must unite behind Israel, admiring its courage and calling for an end to Iran’s tyrannical regime.