On June 13, 2025, Israel executed a large-scale military operation, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and key military leadership. The preemptive strikes, which began late Thursday, hit critical sites including the Natanz nuclear facility near Isfahan, the Parchin military base near Karaj, and locations in Tehran and Khorramabad. Explosions rocked the Iranian capital.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) cited "high-quality intelligence" suggesting Iran was nearing nuclear weapon capability. The operation involved over 200 fighter jets, including F-35 stealth fighters, and killed high-ranking Iranian officials, including Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s second-highest military commander, Hossein Salami of the Revolutionary Guards, and six nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.

The strikes follow stalled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, with President Trump expressing hope for a diplomatic resolution but warning of potential conflict. The U.S. was informed of the strikes but provided no military support, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the action "unilateral."

● Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Reported killed in an Israeli strike on IRGC headquarters in Tehran.

● Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. Killed during the strikes targeting military commanders.

● Fereydoun Abbasi, Nuclear Scientist. Named by Iranian state media as killed in the attacks.

● Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Nuclear Scientist. Also reported killed in the Israeli operation.

● Ali Shamkhani, Senior Iranian Official (former IRGC commander and advisor to the Supreme Leader). Noted among top brass targeted, though specific status (killed or injured) unclear.

● Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility, Natanz, Iran (220 km southeast of Tehran). Iran’s main nuclear enrichment site, struck as a central target to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program.

● IRGC Headquarters, Tehran, Iran. Military command center where key figures like Hossein Salami were targeted.

● Ballistic Missile Factories, Locations unspecified across Iran. Facilities producing Iran’s missile arsenal, hit to curb military capabilities.

● Military Sites (Various), Multiple locations including Tehran. Dozens of unspecified military installations targeted including radar sites and air defense systems as well as ballistic missile launchers, with explosions reported across the country.