New Delhi, 15th June: Regional tensions have sharply escalated following Israeli airstrikes, code-named “Operation Rising Lion.” These strikes targeted key Iranian nuclear and military sites, resulting in the deaths of several prominent nuclear scientists and senior military leaders. This operation marks one of the most severe attacks on Iran’s nuclear program in recent years.
On June 13, 2025, Israeli forces launched a series of coordinated airstrikes across Iran. Their focus was on vital nuclear facilities, including the Natanz uranium enrichment site, and various military installations in Tehran. The Israeli government has stated the operation was a preemptive measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Prominent Casualties Reported
Among those killed, Iran has confirmed the deaths of several individuals critical to its nuclear and military infrastructure:
Nuclear Scientists:
- Fereydoun Abbasi – Former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization and a Member of Parliament.
- Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi – Theoretical physicist and former rector of Shahid Beheshti University.
- Abdulhamid Minouchehr – Nuclear scientist.
- Ahmadreza Zolfaghari – Nuclear scientist.
- Seyyed Amirhossein Faqhi – Nuclear scientist.
- Motlabizadeh – Nuclear scientist.
These individuals were reportedly involved in Iran’s nuclear program. They had also been listed in annexes to U.N. Security Council Resolutions due to their roles in nuclear or ballistic missile activities.
Senior Military Leaders:
- Major General Mohammad Bagheri – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
- Major General Hossein Salami – Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
- Major General Gholam Ali Rashid – Commander of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters.
These leaders played pivotal roles in Iran’s military operations and strategic planning.
Iranian Response and International Reactions
Iran has vowed severe retaliation, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promising “harsh retribution” for the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported no radiation leaks from the targeted facilities, including the Natanz enrichment site.
The Israeli strikes have significantly impacted diplomatic efforts. This includes scheduled US-Iran nuclear talks, which are now in jeopardy. The United States has denied direct involvement in the strikes but has expressed concern over the potential for a broader regional conflict.
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