On June 13, 2025, the Middle East witnessed a seismic shift as Israel launched an audacious military operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. This campaign, one of the most ambitious in recent regional history, has exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s long-standing claims of unassailable strength, reshaping the geopolitical landscape.
According to sources from Iran International, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sought refuge in a fortified bunker in Tehran’s Lavizan district as the strikes began. Accompanied by his family, Khamenei’s retreat to this secure location echoes similar moves during Israeli operations in spring and fall 2024. This pattern of behavior underscores a growing sense of insecurity among Iran’s top leadership, challenging the regime’s carefully crafted image of invincibility.
Israeli officials have stated that the operation aimed to neutralize critical threats, including Iran’s nuclear program and drone capabilities. Over the course of days, more than 300 targets were hit with precision strikes, including a symbolically significant attack on Mashhad’s airport, located deep within Iran, some 1,400 miles from the border. This demonstrated not only Israel’s technological prowess but also its willingness to project power far beyond its borders, shattering perceptions of Iran’s territorial immunity.
The toll has been staggering. Reports indicate over 450 fatalities, including 150 civilians, painting a grim picture of the human cost. Iran retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, some reaching Haifa and Tel Aviv, resulting in 53 deaths and significant damage to urban infrastructure. The exchange has intensified fears of a broader regional escalation.
Beyond physical destruction, “Rising Lion” has disrupted Iran’s command structure. A targeted strike eliminated Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with other senior officers, according to The Washington Post. This loss created a leadership vacuum, forcing Mohammad Pakpour, a hastily appointed replacement, to launch a counteroffensive dubbed “True Promise-3.” The operation’s rushed nature highlights the disarray within Iran’s military hierarchy.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, suggested that Khamenei is grappling with profound psychological strain, likely compounded by the realization that decades of projecting strength have not shielded the regime from such a blow. The operation has exposed cracks in Iran’s authoritarian framework, raising questions about its long-term stability.
As the dust settles, the region braces for what may come next. Iran’s traditional strategies for survival appear increasingly ineffective, while the Middle East teeters on the edge of further conflict. The international community watches closely, aware that the fallout from this clash could redefine power dynamics for years to come.
