Operation Rising Lion: Decoding the Images of Israel’s Airstrikes on Iranian Missile Sites

By Boncopia News Team | June 13, 2025 | Global News

In the pre-dawn hours of June 13, 2025, the Middle East witnessed a dramatic escalation as Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a series of precision airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military leadership, and ballistic missile sites. The operation, described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat,” has sent shockwaves across the globe, raising questions about regional stability and the future of Iran’s military capabilities. The FRANCE 24 Observers team has analyzed initial images from the strikes, offering a glimpse into the scale and impact of this unprecedented military campaign. Here’s what the visuals and reports reveal about Israel’s bold move and its implications.

A Historic Strike: What Was Operation Rising Lion?

Operation Rising Lion marks one of the most significant military engagements between Israel and Iran, following months of heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile program. According to Israeli officials, the operation involved over 200 fighter jets striking more than 100 targets across Iran, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, military command centers, and ballistic missile storage and launch sites. The strikes, which began around 3 a.m. local time, also resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian military figures, including Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and six nuclear scientists.

Netanyahu, in a televised address, emphasized that the operation aimed to neutralize Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, which he described as existential threats to Israel’s survival. “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and ballistic missile program,” he stated, adding that the campaign would continue “for as many days as it takes.”

The FRANCE 24 Observers team, known for its rigorous analysis of open-source imagery, has provided critical insights into the strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure. Their findings, combined with reports from Reuters, The New York Times, and other outlets, paint a vivid picture of the operation’s scope and its immediate aftermath.

What the Images Reveal About the Strikes

The FRANCE 24 Observers team examined videos and images released by the Israeli military and Iranian state media, offering a detailed look at the targeted ballistic missile sites. One key piece of footage, shared by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on June 13, 2025, purportedly shows a strike on a surface-to-surface missile launch site near Borujerd, approximately 10 kilometers from the city in western Iran. While the team could not independently verify that the site was hit, the footage depicts significant explosions and smoke, suggesting substantial damage.

Another video released by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency showcases covert operations, including drone strikes launched from a secret base inside Iran. These drones reportedly targeted ballistic missile launchers near Tehran, preventing Iran from firing projectiles as the Israeli airstrikes began. The footage reveals precise hits on missile storage facilities and air defense systems, underscoring Israel’s sophisticated intelligence and operational capabilities.

Iranian state media, including the IRGC’s Sepah News Telegram channel, shared images of smoke billowing from sites in Tehran and Natanz, corroborating reports of strikes on both military and nuclear infrastructure. A map released by the IDF highlights the locations of targeted ballistic missile sites, marked in red, across western Iran, including areas near Kermanshah, where an underground missile storage facility was reportedly hit.

The visual evidence suggests that Israel’s strikes were carefully calibrated to maximize damage to Iran’s missile capabilities while minimizing civilian casualties. However, Iranian state TV reported that residential areas in Tehran were also affected, with images showing damaged buildings and panicked civilians.

Iran’s Retaliation: A Barrage of Ballistic Missiles

In response to Operation Rising Lion, Iran launched a massive retaliatory attack, firing dozens—potentially hundreds—of ballistic missiles and over 100 drones at Israel on the evening of June 13. The strikes targeted military bases and civilian areas, including Tel Aviv, where at least 41 people were injured, two critically, according to Israeli emergency services. Images from Tel Aviv show fire and smoke rising from buildings hit by Iranian missiles, with air defense systems lighting up the night sky as they intercepted incoming projectiles.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed their attacks struck “dozens of targets” with “precision,” aiming to punish Israel for the deaths of senior commanders and nuclear scientists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “bitter and painful” response, warning that “nowhere in Israel will be safe.”

The United States, while not involved in Israel’s initial strikes, assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles, with U.S. officials confirming their role in bolstering Israel’s air defenses. Videos shared on social media captured streaks of light and explosions over Tel Aviv, highlighting the intensity of the Iranian barrage and Israel’s multilayered defense systems, including the Arrow missile defense system.

The Strategic Impact: Crippling Iran’s Missile Capabilities?

The strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile sites are a critical component of Operation Rising Lion. Israel’s objective was to degrade Iran’s ability to launch retaliatory attacks, particularly with long-range missiles capable of reaching Israeli territory. According to Israeli defense officials, the operation destroyed dozens of missile launchers, air defense assets, and drone facilities, including sites near Hamadan and Tabriz. The Shahid Fakouri military base and Tabriz International Airport were reportedly “destroyed,” dealing a significant blow to Iran’s air force and missile infrastructure.

Posts on X, while not conclusive, reflect the sentiment surrounding the operation. One user,@RazxMedias, praised the “brilliantly executed” strikes, claiming Israel preemptively destroyed Iranian missiles before they could be launched. Another,@NitestalkerX, detailed strikes on Tehran’s IRGC command center and missile sites, noting the destruction of the Shamsabad drone factory. These posts, though unverified, align with official reports of significant damage to Iran’s military infrastructure.

However, analysts caution that while Israel’s strikes have set back Iran’s missile program, they may not have eliminated it entirely. David Albright, a nuclear expert quoted by The Guardian, noted that visible damage to underground sites like Natanz was limited, suggesting that Israel’s strikes may have relied on drones and cyberattacks to target hidden infrastructure. The long-term effectiveness of the operation remains uncertain, as Iran has historically rebuilt its military capabilities after setbacks.

Global Reactions and Economic Ripple Effects

The international community has reacted with a mix of alarm and calls for restraint. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the Natanz facility was damaged but reported no increase in radiation levels, alleviating fears of a nuclear catastrophe. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi urged all parties to avoid targeting nuclear sites, emphasizing that such attacks pose serious risks to global security.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for a nuclear deal with Iran, expressed frustration, stating that he had given Iran “chance after chance” to negotiate. While the U.S. was not involved in Israel’s strikes, its assistance in intercepting Iranian missiles underscores its continued support for Israel. Trump hinted that nuclear talks scheduled for June 15, 2025, could still proceed, though their success is now in doubt.

The strikes have also rattled global markets. Oil and gold prices soared, and stock markets dipped as fears of a broader regional conflict grew. Analysts at Capital Economics warned that escalating tensions could drive up oil prices, potentially reigniting inflation and complicating monetary policy for central banks like the Federal Reserve.

The Human Toll and Regional Implications

The human cost of the conflict is significant. In Iran, at least 78 people, including senior military officials, were killed in the Israeli strikes, with hundreds of civilians injured. In Israel, 41 people were reported injured in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas due to Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes. Images of damaged buildings and rescue operations in both countries highlight the devastating impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.

The operation has also strained regional dynamics. Jordan and Iraq closed their airspace and intercepted missiles and drones passing through their territories, signaling their reluctance to be drawn into the conflict. Iran’s allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, have been weakened by prior Israeli operations, limiting their ability to support Tehran’s retaliation.

What’s Next for Israel and Iran?

Operation Rising Lion has reshaped the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape, but its long-term consequences are unclear. Israel’s strikes have dealt a severe blow to Iran’s military and nuclear programs, but Iran’s retaliatory missile barrage demonstrates its resilience and willingness to escalate. The involvement of the U.S. in intercepting missiles and the potential for further Iranian attacks on U.S. bases raise the specter of a wider conflict.

Netanyahu’s call for the Iranian people to “rise up” against their regime, invoking the protest slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom,” suggests Israel is aiming not only to weaken Iran’s military but also to destabilize its government. However, such rhetoric risks further inflaming tensions, as Iran’s leadership has vowed a “firm and decisive” response.

Engaging Readers: Questions to Ponder

As the dust settles on Operation Rising Lion, the world watches anxiously to see how this conflict will unfold. Here are a few questions to spark discussion:

1. Can Israel’s strikes truly halt Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, or will they provoke a more determined response from Tehran?

2. How should the international community balance calls for restraint with the need to address Iran’s military ambitions?

3. What role will the U.S. play in de-escalating or managing the fallout from this conflict, given its ongoing nuclear talks with Iran?

4. Could Netanyahu’s appeal to the Iranian people inspire internal change, or will it deepen nationalistic resolve in Iran?

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media. Stay tuned to Boncopia.com for the latest updates on this developing story.

Sources: Information compiled from reports by FRANCE 24, The New York Times, Reuters, The Guardian, and posts on X. All data is based on available reports as of June 13, 2025, and should be treated as preliminary.