Inside ‘Operation Rising Lion’: How Mossad Crippled Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities

In a carefully planned mission named ‘Operation Rising Lion’, Israel targeted key Iranian nuclear and defense sites, resulting in the reported deaths of senior officials and escalating regional tensions

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified following a high-level military action carried out by Israel inside Iran. Late Thursday night, Israeli forces, in coordination with the intelligence agency Mossad, launched a major operation targeting Iran’s nuclear and defense infrastructure. The mission, named “Operation Rising Lion,” was the result of extensive planning and execution by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad.

The action led to the reported deaths of several senior Iranian officials. Among them were Iran’s Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Also reported killed were Ali Shamkhani, a close aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC’s aerospace division.

The operation focused on critical nuclear sites located in Natanz, Shiraz, and Tabriz. Natanz, known for its uranium enrichment capabilities, is believed to have sustained the most significant damage. Reports indicate that six prominent nuclear scientists lost their lives during the strikes. These sites are central to Iran’s nuclear program and had long been under international scrutiny.

Sources suggest that the groundwork for this mission had been laid over the past three years. Mossad is believed to have established a covert drone manufacturing and storage site within Iran. From there, compact explosive-laden drones were prepared and positioned near Iranian missile bases and air defense systems in advance of the operation.

The Israeli Air Force reportedly deployed over 330 precision-guided bombs, each weighing approximately 5,000 pounds. Stealth fighter aircraft, including Israeli versions of the American F-35, were also used in the mission. These aircraft targeted Iran’s radar stations, missile facilities, and air defense infrastructure to minimize future threats.

Following the Israeli action, Iran launched over 100 Shahed drones toward Israeli territory. However, Israel’s air defense systems successfully intercepted all incoming drones before they could cause any damage. The Shahed drones, often described as “kamikaze” drones due to their self-destructive design, failed to reach their targets.

The international community remains divided. Some nations have backed Israel’s right to act in its own security interests, especially concerning the risk of nuclear escalation. Others have voiced concern over the growing instability in the region and warned of possible long-term consequences for regional and global peace.

With both Iran and Israel maintaining heightened alert levels, the situation continues to evolve. The potential for further escalation remains a major concern for diplomatic and security establishments worldwide.