Israel Iran strike: ‘Operation Rising Lion’ Leaves 78 Dead, Over 300 Injured, Middle East on Edge

Israel Iran strike: Israel launched its biggest-ever airstrike early Friday on Iran’s capital Tehran and other strategic sites, codenamed ‘Operation Rising Lion’. According to Iran’s state media, the attack has left 78 people dead and over 300 injured. Among the dead are 6 nuclear scientists, 4 senior military commanders, and more than 20 other military officials. The assault has escalated tensions in the Middle East to an alarming level, sparking fears of global diplomatic fallout and economic instability.

Israel Iran strike: 200 Fighter Jets, 6 Strategic Targets Destroyed

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) deployed over 200 fighter jets in this massive operation, targeting six key Iranian sites. These included four nuclear facilities—Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, and the Tehran Research Center—and two major military bases, all of which were reportedly destroyed. IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated, “This preemptive strike was based on high-quality intelligence, aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear weapons programme and ballistic missile production.”

Explosions were heard in Tehran around 3:30 AM local time. Iranian state media reported significant destruction near the Natanz uranium enrichment centre and around Imam Khomeini International Airport. Residential areas were also affected, with reports of an apartment complex engulfed in flames.

Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s Strategic Objective

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the strike as essential for national security. In an official statement, he said, “Iran’s nuclear weapons programme had become a grave threat to Israel and global security. ‘Operation Rising Lion’ is a decisive step toward neutralising that threat.”

Sources reveal that Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad played a critical role in the operation, conducting covert missions in Tehran and other sensitive zones to disable Iranian air defence systems. The airstrike reportedly caused extensive damage to Iran’s advanced centrifuges and uranium enrichment facilities.

Crude Oil Prices Surge 7-13%

The immediate impact of the strike was felt in global oil markets. Crude oil prices surged between 7% and 13% on Friday. Experts warn that prolonged tension in the region could drive prices even higher, directly affecting oil-importing nations like India.

Several Middle Eastern countries have heightened their security alert levels. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar placed their air defence systems on high alert. Jordan closed its airspace to all flights, while Iran also shut down its airspace, disrupting several international routes.

India Response and Diplomatic Role

India has expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis. With strong strategic and economic interests in the Middle East and millions of Indian expatriates working there, the situation poses a significant challenge for India’s energy security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli PM Netanyahu over the phone to discuss the situation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement, saying, “India urges all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue. Military action threatens regional and global stability.”

Global Reactions

• United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack and called on all parties to exercise restraint. “Striking nuclear facilities poses a serious threat to global security,” he said.
• Pakistan: Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s actions and labelled it a threat to regional peace.
• New Zealand: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon termed the airstrike “unwarranted” and urged all sides to avoid further military escalation.

Is the Middle East Headed for War?

Defence analyst Ali Taheri commented, “This strike is a strategic warning, but Iran’s response will shape the direction of this crisis.” If Iran retaliates on a large scale, the conflict could engulf the entire Gulf region, with potentially severe repercussions for the global economy.

Many analysts believe the crisis could trigger a full-scale war, especially if other regional powers like Saudi Arabia or Turkey are drawn into the conflict.

Iran’s Nuclear Programme: An Unresolved Concern

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran possesses uranium enriched up to 60%, sufficient to produce 6 to 15 nuclear bombs. However, Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran’s nuclear programme is “deep and extensive,” and completely dismantling it would be a major challenge.