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Israel Launches Surprise Airstrike on Iran

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Israel Launches Surprise Airstrike on Iran

In a stunning escalation that could redefine the Middle East, Israel launched a massive surprise airstrike on Iran in the early hours of June 13, 2025. The operation—dubbed Operation Rising Lion—targeted nuclear sites, missile depots, and top Iranian military figures.

What We Know So Far

  • Strike began ~3:00 a.m. local time with over 200 aircraft
  • More than 100 Iranian sites hit, including Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities
  • Multiple IRGC generals reportedly killed
  • Dozens of civilian casualties confirmed by Iranian state media

Why It's Happening

Israel claims intelligence showed Iran was "days away" from assembling a nuclear weapon. PM Netanyahu said the strikes were "regrettable but necessary," warning more could follow if Iran retaliates.

Iran's Response (So Far)

Iran fired back within 18 hours—launching a wave of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel.

  • Most intercepted, but some made it to Tel Aviv and Haifa
  • Damage minimal, but tensions sky-high
  • Iran promises 'bitter revenge'

X Reactions

Netanyahu doubled down online:

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@netanyahu
"Today, the dictator of Iran – Ayatollah Khamenei – posted a call to eliminate Israel. Let me be clear: Israel will not be eliminated."
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Trita Parsi called it regime-change theater:

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@tparsi
"BREAKING: Netanyahu says that a regime change in Iran is possible as a result of the Israeli strikes targeting the country's leadership."
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Journalist Ishaan Tharoor warned about motive:

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@ishaantharoor
"Netanyahu's attack on Iran is about sparking regime change with just enough strikes on nuclear facilities to frame it as an act of preemptive self-defense."
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And Jacob Kornbluh quoted Netanyahu's WWII analogy:

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@jacobkornbluh
"It's like Hitler's nuclear scientists. Would you leave them? Of course not… We're defending ourselves…"
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Al Jazeera's Marwan Bishara didn't buy the justification:

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@marwanbishara
"Our intelligence indicated Iran wanted to transfer nuclear weapons to the Houthis … This triple lie, on its own, aside from the other …"
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Global Fallout

  • Oil prices surged 10%, triggering market panic
  • UN Security Council emergency session called
  • U.S. divided: Trump reportedly backed the strike privately, while many in Congress urge restraint

What Comes Next?

This could either be the beginning of a full-scale regional war—or the most high-stakes game of brinkmanship since 1973.

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