Israel Strikes Iran in 'Rising Lion' Operation

Israel launched Operation 'Rising Lion,' striking around 100 targets across Iran, including major nuclear facilities and causing the deaths of high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, resulting in injuries and panic, though many projectiles were intercepted. The escalation represents the most direct confrontation between the two countries to date, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict and threatening global oil supplies. The attacks reportedly set back Iran's nuclear program by decades, but experts caution that Iran still retains essential technical knowledge, making a permanent resolution unlikely without continued military action or regime change. U.S. officials have distanced themselves from the strikes and warned Iran against targeting American interests, while the UN Secretary-General and other international leaders have called for restraint. The crisis highlights Iran’s destabilizing regional strategy, including its support for groups like Hamas, and further complicates diplomatic efforts in the region.