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."