Israel-Iran: A short overview
Giorgos Kostopoulos/Grigoris Palisidis
Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on June 12–13, with massive airstrikes on more than 100 targets in Iran — including nuclear facilities (Natanz, Esfahan, Fordow), strategic bases, and top command centers, killing dozens, among them senior military officers and nuclear scientists. The stated reason: to “eliminate the nuclear threat,” but reports and analysts suggest the deeper motive is part of a broader regime change strategy. To avoid Iranian retaliation, Israeli civilian planes were relocated to Larnaca Airport, while the prime ministerial jet (without Netanyahu onboard) was moved to Athens International Airport.
Iran responded by launching at least 100 ballistic missiles and another 100 single-use UAVs. The Israeli Air Force, Navy, and air defense systems intercepted many, using fighter jets, attack helicopters, and ground-based Iron Dome and Arrow-2/3 missile batteries. Still, 3–4 fatalities and dozens of injuries occurred within Israel. The American military’s THAAD air defense systems, stationed in the region for months, likely contributed to Israel’s defense. Meanwhile, videos confirmed that Jordan also shot down Iranian UAVs using its F-16s.
Where are we now?
We’re in the midst of a major escalation: the conflict is heading into scenarios of mutual destruction — morally, militarily, politically.
- Israel seems determined to deliver crushing blows to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and leadership, possibly aiming to topple the regime
- Iran responds with full-scale attacks, promising further strikes, even targeting US bases in the region.
- The US rushed to evacuate personnel and is now jointly guarding Israel, but officially claims it is not directly involved.
- Diplomatic efforts (nuclear negotiations) are collapsing — Iran has withdrawn from the talks, the UN is sounding the alarm, but so far no new sanctions are being enforced.
- Global markets are reacting: oil prices are up by 10%, stock markets are dropping, and investors are scrambling for safe havens.
Other fronts
The Houthis in Yemen continue launching attacks on Israel in retaliation, prompting Israeli airstrikes in Yemen — another layer of broader destabilization.
Israel’s General Staff persists with operations in the West Bank, while the front with Hamas in Gaza is raging, both for internal security and as part of the anti-Iran narrative.
What to expect…
- Further escalation: more airstrikes, more missile retaliation, the intensity of the conflict will climb.
- Potential US involvement via proxies: if Iranian missiles strike US bases, a new chapter begins.
- Diplomacy is scraping the bottom: talks are cancelled, international pressure is building — without results so far.
- Market panic syndrome: more turmoil in oil and stock markets, with a possible spillover of the conflict to the Strait of Hormuz.
