Operation Rising Lion: The Sparks Flying Between Israel and Iran
From covert attacks to missile barrages—the Middle East detonates once more.
What Sparked the First Strike?
Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13, 2025—unleashing airstrikes on more than 100 military and nuclear targets in Iran, including Natanz, Fordow, and Tehran’s strategic installations, reportedly killing hundreds, including senior commanders and nuclear scientists reuters.
com.
The strikes were reportedly preceded by Mossad covert operations, using smuggled drones and sabotage, and coordinated with the IDF to suppress Iranian air defenses atlanticcouncil.org.
How Did Iran Respond?
Iran retaliated immediately, launching over 150 ballistic missiles and 100+ drones at Israel—many intercepted, though some penetrated defenses, striking areas like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem—resulting in civilian casualties, including children reuters.com.
Iran has vowed further retaliation, signaling potential strikes on U.S. forces in the region if others are drawn into the conflict .
U.S. Involvement—Indirect or Approved?
The Trump Administration publicly denies direct U.S. involvement in Israel’s initial strikes businessinsider.com.
However, Israeli officials privately say strikes wouldn’t have happened without American green light, affirming close strategic coordination behind the scenes .
The U.S. has acknowledged providing defensive support and missile interception help, deepening ambiguity around its role .
Did Iran’s Barrage Penetrate the Iron Dome?
Iran claimed dozens of missiles reached targets inside Israel, including academic and residential areas, showing vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defenses theguardian.com.
Civilian casualties—particularly children—have alarmed global observers theguardian.com.
Russia, North Korea, France, China: Who’s Backing Whom?
Russia’s President Putin condemned the Israeli attacks, expressing backing for Iran and warning such strikes destabilize global security youtube.com.
North Korea, aligned with Iran, has reportedly offered diplomatic support—but there’s no sign of direct military involvement thetimes.co.uk.
France and several European states have publicly expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense, yet are urging urgent de-escalation apnews.com.
Meanwhile, China has deployed aircraft carriers in the Pacific, drawing concern—and some see it as unrelated, though tensions in the region are heightening apnews.com.
U.S. Role & Uncertainty
Under Trump, U.S. foreign policy remains unpredictable. Talk of leaving NATO, warming ties with Russia, and military support to Israel all blur America’s allegiance .
Current signals: Official denial of active role, but discreet defense assistance and ongoing intelligence alignments suggest otherwise .
For citizens: The threat isn’t just geopolitical tension—it’s potential escalation toward broader war if alliances misfire.
Why It Matters Now
Risk of wider regional war: Iran says it may target U.S. forces. Israel has reaffirmed readiness to strike again vox.com.
Global oil shock: Prices spiked over 10% amid fears of disruption to Gulf shipping at Hormuz en.wikipedia.org.
Diplomatic paralysis: Iran-U.S. nuclear talks in Oman were cancelled. UN Security Council plans an emergency meeting reuters.com.
Civilian suffering: Hundreds killed on both sides, including children—a humanitarian crisis fueling international outcry .
Final Thought: Whose Side Are We On?
In a global flashpoint, U.S. policy faces a stark test: support Israel’s defense with conviction—or risk regional escalation by proxy involvement. With Trump’s administration walking a tightrope between backing an ally and denying involvement, the question lingers: Are we part of the escalation—or the de-escalation?
Because the world isn’t just watching. It’s calculating. And one misstep here could resonate far beyond the Middle East.