Israel Attacks Iran: What is Known About the Strikes on the Nuclear Program and Operation "People Like a Lion"

Israel demonstrates: the threat of nuclear annihilation will not go unanswered. The alliance between Tehran, Hamas, and Moscow requires decisive action. On June 13, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale preemptive strike against Iran. As part of the operation codenamed “Lion Nation”, key Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure targets were hit. As confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the strikes were aimed at neutralizing an existential threat to the State of Israel. The Israeli operation resulted from close coordination between Mossad and the IDF. It included extensive intelligence and sabotage efforts, including: 1. Precision weapons deployed on Iranian territory Mossad operative groups secretly positioned precision weapon systems near Iranian air defense facilities in central Iran. As the attack began, the missiles were automatically and synchronously launched at predetermined targets. 2. Strikes from inside transport vehicles Part of the assault was delivered using disguised transport platforms that disabled Iranian air defense systems to open the skies for Israeli Air Force operations. The tactic resembles recent actions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 3. Drone strikes from within the country According to reports, Mossad agents established a temporary drone base near Tehran. On the night of the attack, UAVs were activated and directed at surface-to-surface missile launchers located at one of Iran’s major military sites. Israel attacked Iran: what is known about the strikes on the nuclear program and Operation “Lion Nation” — NAnews, Israel News, June 13, 2025 Why Israel launched the strike Israeli authorities emphasized that Iran had approached a critical threshold: it is estimated that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to build up to 15 nuclear bombs. Negotiations with the US had stalled, prompting Israel to act independently. “This operation will last as long as necessary to eliminate the threat,” said Netanyahu. Scale of the attack: over 200 aircraft - More than 200 combat aircraft deployed; - Over 330 munitions dropped; - Five waves of strikes conducted; - Targets hit in Tehran, Natanz, Isfahan, and other regions. Main targets of the strikes According to the IDF, the following were struck: - uranium enrichment facility in Natanz; - research and scientific centers; - infrastructure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); - radar installations; - positions associated with ballistic missile production. Elimination of key figures Name Position Mohammad Bagheri Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Hossein Salami Commander of the IRGC Gholam Ali Rashid Head of Khatam al-Anbiya Command Headquarters Mehdi Tehranchi President of Azad Islamic University Fereydoon Abbasi Former Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization State of nuclear facilities The IAEA reported that radiation levels at Natanz did not change after the attack. Iranian authorities stated that Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Fordow facility were not hit. However, according to Israeli military assessments, the Natanz facility was seriously damaged. It could have produced 11 nuclear weapons within a month. Iran’s response and global reaction In retaliation, Tehran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel. Videos on social media show Iranian drones, likely “Shaheds,” heading for Israeli territory. How the world responded - USA: did not participate but stated Israel acted in self-defense. - UK: called for de-escalation and restraint. - China: urged its citizens to avoid sensitive areas. - Saudi Arabia: condemned the strikes as violations of international law. - Australia: expressed concern over escalation. - UN: Secretary-General Guterres urged immediate de-escalation. - Russia: called Israel’s actions unjustified. Why this matters for Israel and Ukraine NAnews — Israel News highlights that the events in Iran directly affect not only Israel but also Ukraine. Tehran is a strategic ally of Putin, supplying drones and weapons for attacks on Ukrainian cities. That’s why Operation “Lion Nation” is seen as a strategic move to protect not just Israel, but the entire free world, including Ukraine. Israel showed determination NAnews continues to follow developments. Israel is sending a clear message: the threat of nuclear annihilation will not go unanswered. The alliance between Tehran, Hamas, and Moscow requires bold and immediate responses. The Jewish people — in Israel and Ukraine — continue to fight for their right to exist. https://nikk.agency/en/israel-attacks-iran/