Why Israel Attacked Iran’s Military Bases Suddenly?
Israel’s airstrikes on Iran on June 13, 2025, mark a dramatic escalation in their long-standing rivalry.
The operation, named Rising Lion, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and military infrastructure, prompting Iran to launch over 100 drones in retaliation. This clash, reported across global media, has raised fears of a wider Middle East conflict.
Background of Israel-Iran Conflict
The Israel-Iran feud stems from ideological and strategic clashes. Iran backs anti-Israel groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat. Tensions spiked after Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel in 2024, which Israel’s defenses largely thwarted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long promised to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, setting the stage for this confrontation.
Why Israel Attacked Suddenly
Israel justified the strikes as a preemptive move to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapon development. Netanyahu claimed Iran was weaponizing enriched uranium, posing a direct threat.
U.SReports suggest Israel acted without U.S. support, frustrated by stalled nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The timing aligned with intelligence indicating Iran’s nuclear advancements, prompting Israel to strike unilaterally.
Where Israel Targeted
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) deployed 200 fighter jets, hitting over 100 targets. Key sites included the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, missile production plants, and military bases in Tehran, Khandab, and Khoramabad. Residential areas in Tehran were also damaged.
The IDF claimed it eliminated senior Iranian commanders. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Natanz was hit but reported no radiation leaks.
Past Israel-Iran Attacks
The two nations have engaged in shadow warfare for years. Israel frequently targeted Iranian assets in Syria, aiming to disrupt arms supplies to Hezbollah. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Israel in April and October 2024, which caused little damage due to Israel’s robust missile defenses.
These tit-for-tat actions avoided direct war until Israel’s latest large-scale operation.
Casualties Reported
Iranian state media reported at least five deaths in Tehran, including children in a residential area strike. The IDF claimed it killed key figures, including Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami and armed forces commander Mohammad Bagheri. International outlets, like Reuters and The Guardian, noted civilian casualties but provided no exact figures. Iran’s Press TV says civilian losses, accusing Israel of targeting non-military zones.
U.S. Response
The U.S. distanced itself from the operation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating Israel acted alone. President Donald Trump, informed of the plans, warned Iran against attacking U.S. interests or personnel.
The U.S. partially evacuated its embassy in Iraq, anticipating Iranian retaliation against American bases. Despite supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, the U.S. urged de-escalation to protect its regional interests.
This attack has thrown the Middle East into uncertainty. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment,” while global leaders, including the UK’s Keir Starmer, called for restraint.
The conflict risks disrupting oil markets and regional stability, with airlines already halting flights over affected airspace. The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds.
