Israel has launched a large-scale military and intelligence operation against Iran, targeting the country’s military command, air defenses, and missile systems. The operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” by Israel, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
The attack resulted in the swift decapitation of Iran’s military command, with top commanders killed or injured. This has left Iranian officials fearing for their lives, while attempting to project confidence in their country’s damaged infrastructure.
Israel has demonstrated full intelligence dominance over Iran, gaining air superiority and limiting the country’s ability to respond effectively. The attack also destroyed much of Iran’s strategic air defense systems, allowing Israel to fly freely over the country with manned and unmanned aircraft.
The question on everyone’s mind is why did Israel choose this moment to strike? The answer lies in a series of strategic errors made by Iran after Hamas’s October 7 attacks against Israel. Iran doubled down on nuclear escalations and supported terrorist groups across the Middle East, sparking widespread instability.
Israel will not tolerate such threats, particularly with regards to its nuclear program. The attack marks a hard and unmovable equation in the Middle East today, sparked by events launched by Hamas and Iran. To defuse this situation, Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and Hamas must release hostages and relinquish control over Gaza. Until then, Israel will continue to act in its own national security interests, with the United States standing by it.
Brett McGurk, a CNN global affairs analyst who served in senior national security positions under four U.S. presidents, has expertise on this complex issue.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/13/politics/iran-israel-military-intelligence-strikes-analysis