Escalating Tensions — Israel Strikes Iran in Preemptive Military Operation Amid Nuclear Fears

By: Doon Mozaic | June 13, 2025

In a dramatic overnight escalation, Israel launched a major military strike on Iran, targeting critical components of its nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Rising Lion’, marks a significant turning point in Middle East tensions, with global implications rippling through geopolitical, economic, and diplomatic spheres.

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Backdrop of Conflict: Fear of a Nuclear-Armed Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long warned against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In a fiery address following the strikes, he declared,

“We will not let the world’s most dangerous regime get the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

He accused Iran not only of developing nuclear weapons but also of intending to distribute them to terrorist proxies. The Israeli leader warned that Iran’s growing missile arsenal—potentially carrying nuclear warheads—could soon threaten Europe and even the United States.

Netanyahu recalled that in 2024, Iran fired 300 ballistic missiles at Israel, describing the scale of the threat:

“Imagine 10,000 tonnes of TNT landing on a country the size of New Jersey… this is an intolerable threat. It must be stopped.”

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The Strikes: Targets and Outcomes

The strikes, according to Netanyahu’s own statement, were focused on:

• Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz
• Its nuclear weaponisation program
• Ballistic missile production sites
• Key nuclear scientists and military leaders

Reports from Iranian state television confirm that Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, is feared dead. Other casualties include high-ranking officials and two nuclear scientists. Explosions reportedly engulfed the Revolutionary Guard’s headquarters, suggesting a devastating blow to Iran’s military command.

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Iran’s Response: Warnings of Retaliation

The Iranian government, while still assessing the full impact of the attack, is already signaling retaliation. An Iranian security source told Reuters:

“The response to the Israeli attack will be harsh and decisive… discussions are underway at the highest levels.”

The spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces warned that Israel and the United States will pay a heavy price for the strikes.

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Economic Aftershocks: Crude Oil Prices Spike

The global markets quickly felt the tremors. Benchmark Brent crude oil prices surged by over 8%, reflecting fears of a broader regional conflict that could endanger oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for the world’s energy supply.

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India Issues Advisory for Nationals in Iran

Reacting to the deteriorating situation, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an urgent advisory urging all Indian citizens to remain indoors, avoid travel, and monitor embassy updates. The advisory highlighted the seriousness of the regional instability sparked by the strikes.

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Netanyahu’s Strategic Narrative

Netanyahu was quick to underline that Israel’s action was not directed at the people of Iran, but at its authoritarian regime. He offered a message of hope:

“Our fight is with the brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years… I believe the day of your liberation is near.”

He also positioned Israel’s actions as beneficial to its Arab neighbors, referencing Lebanon and Syria, where Iranian influence has long been contested.

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Global Flashpoint: Nuclear Fears and Regional Stability

At the heart of the crisis lies the specter of nuclear proliferation. Netanyahu linked current threats to the Holocaust, stating:

“The Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear holocaust… Tonight, Israel backs those words with action.”

This declaration encapsulates the existential dimension Israel perceives in Iran’s nuclear drive. With Iran aiming to produce 10,000 ballistic missiles in three years, the stakes have become too high for Israel to tolerate inaction.