In a major escalation, Iran was attacked on Friday, June 13, 2025, by Israel. This attack, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion" by Israel, targeted various sites across Iran. How and by what means was Iran attacked? * Airstrikes: The primary means of attack was a barrage of airstrikes. Reports indicate thRead more
In a major escalation, Iran was attacked on Friday, June 13, 2025, by Israel. This attack, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” by Israel, targeted various sites across Iran.
How and by what means was Iran attacked?
* Airstrikes: The primary means of attack was a barrage of airstrikes. Reports indicate that over 200 Israeli Air Force fighter jets were involved, hitting more than 100 targets.
* Targeted Facilities: The airstrikes focused on:
* Nuclear sites: Crucially, Israel struck Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, where black smoke was reportedly seen. Other nuclear sites were also targeted.
* Military sites: This included ballistic missile manufacturing sites, missile launchers, and air defense systems in western Iran.
* Leadership: The attacks reportedly killed top military officers, including the chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and several nuclear scientists.
* Residential sites: Some reports also indicated that residential areas in Tehran were hit, causing injuries.
* Covert Operations: In addition to overt airstrikes, there were reports of more clandestine means:
* Explosive Drones: Israel’s Mossad spy agency reportedly positioned explosive drones inside Iran and activated them to target missile launchers.
* Smuggled Weapons: Precision weapons and strike systems on vehicles were allegedly smuggled into central Iran and activated during the attack to target Iranian air defenses.
Prior incidents and context:
It’s important to note that while this recent attack is a significant escalation, Israel has previously engaged in covert operations and cyberattacks against Iran, particularly targeting its nuclear program. The most well-known example is the Stuxnet cyberworm discovered in 2010, believed to be a joint US-Israeli effort, which severely damaged Iran’s nuclear centrifuges. Iran has also faced other cyberattacks on its infrastructure, with Iranian officials often blaming the US and Israel.
Jordan's decision to shoot down Iranian drones heading towards Israel, despite being a Muslim-majority country, stems from several key factors: * Protection of its own airspace and sovereignty: The most immediate and publicly stated reason by Jordan is to protect its own territory and citizens. JordRead more
Jordan’s decision to shoot down Iranian drones heading towards Israel, despite being a Muslim-majority country, stems from several key factors:
See less* Protection of its own airspace and sovereignty: The most immediate and publicly stated reason by Jordan is to protect its own territory and citizens. Jordanian officials have repeatedly emphasized that any drones or missiles entering their airspace, regardless of their origin or intended target, will be intercepted if they pose a threat to Jordanian security or are likely to fall within Jordanian territory, including populated areas. They want to avoid their country becoming a “battleground” for regional conflicts.
* Strategic interests and stability: Jordan has a delicate geopolitical position, bordering both Israel and other volatile countries like Syria and Iraq. An escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel directly threatens Jordan’s stability and security. By intercepting the drones, Jordan aims to prevent its own involvement in a wider regional war and protect its national interests, including economic stability (e.g., tourism) and avoiding potential collateral damage.
* Security alliance with the United States and Israel: Jordan is a major security ally of the United States and has a peace treaty with Israel. While Jordan has been critical of Israeli actions in Gaza, it relies on these relationships for military aid, economic support, and water resources. Taking action to defend against threats transiting its airspace aligns with its broader security cooperation.
* Long-standing suspicions of Iran: Jordan has expressed concerns about Iran’s expanding influence in the region for a long time. King Abdullah II has previously warned of a “Shia Crescent” and seen Iranian actions as a threat to regional stability. Intercepting Iranian projectiles also serves to demonstrate Jordan’s capacity to defend its borders and airspace against potential future threats from Iran.
While Jordan’s actions have drawn some criticism from those who view it as assisting Israel and betraying the Palestinian cause, the Jordanian government maintains that its primary motivation is self-defense and the protection of its national security.