Israel launches a ‘pre-emptive strike’ against Iran's nuclear programme
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have carried out an unprecedented offensive against the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear programme, culminating years of intelligence and covert operations. The operation, dubbed ‘Rising Lion’, aimed to dismantle the nuclear and military capabilities of the Iranian regime, which has been responsible for financing and coordinating terrorist attacks against Israel and its citizens for decades.
The offensive, launched pre-emptively on the instructions of the Israeli political leadership, mobilised more than 200 combat aircraft that attacked over a hundred strategic targets across Iran, including key nuclear facilities and high-ranking military positions.
Among the most significant impacts were the elimination of the regime's three top military commanders: Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, chief of the Iranian General Staff; Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya (Emergency Command). In addition, Israel confirmed the elimination of more than ten Iranian nuclear scientists, considered key figures in the development of a nuclear bomb.
Furthermore, it is estimated that at least 13 Iranian fighter jets were shot down during air combat in Iranian airspace.
According to Israeli media reports based on security sources, the operation was made possible by years of gathering precise intelligence and infiltrating advanced weaponry and technology into Iranian territory. The Mossad carried out three covert operational campaigns to neutralise air defence systems, destroy missile launch platforms and deploy explosive drones near Tehran, which were activated in synchronisation with the air strikes.
The most symbolic blow was the attack on the Natanz nuclear plant, the epicentre of Iran's atomic programme, which suffered significant damage, confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), although no increase in radiation has been detected so far.
Israel justifies the operation by claiming that Iran was dangerously close to reaching a point of no return in the production of weapons-grade enriched uranium and the assembly of nuclear components, despite years of international diplomatic efforts to halt its atomic programme. 'We could not wait any longer. History teaches us that those who seek to destroy us must not be ignored. We are fighting for our existence and our freedom,' said the Israeli chief of staff.
Israel manages to intercept most Iranian drones
In response, Tehran unleashed a wave of retaliation, launching more than 800 drones and missiles against Israeli territory. The Israeli Air Force, together with defence systems such as the Iron Dome and the support of NATO allies — including Jordan, where air raid sirens were activated — managed to successfully intercept most of these devices.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as ‘very successful’ and reaffirmed that Israel will not allow a regime that seeks its destruction to possess weapons of mass destruction. ‘We have achieved strategic gains. We know that there are no wars without a cost, but we will ensure a more secure future for our nation,’ he said.
Meanwhile, the new interim commander of the Revolutionary Guard, Ahmad Vahidi, is taking the reins of Iran's response amid growing hostility that threatens to drag the region into an escalation with unpredictable consequences.
Amid this situation, Israeli authorities are urging their population to follow instructions closely and remain calm, as the situation remains volatile and further offensives or reprisals cannot be ruled out.