The Review series: Israel’s ‘Operation Rising Lion’ against Iran explained

In the latest episode of The Review Series, Qais Alamdar and Rajab Taieb unpack one of the most significant escalations the Middle East has witnessed in decades. Within 48 hours, Iran and Israel found themselves in open military confrontation, beginning with an unprecedented Israeli strike deep into Iranian territory.

Israel's operation targeted multiple nuclear and military installations across Iran, including the Natanz nuclear site, missile storage facilities, and air defence systems. Strikes were also reported in densely populated residential areas of Tehran, resulting in high-profile casualties: top commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, nuclear scientists, and individuals close to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. The Iranian government has confirmed the deaths of at least six nuclear scientists and over 20 mid-ranking military officials.

Qais opened the discussion by highlighting the scope of Mossad’s infiltration inside Iran — months of covert groundwork involving smuggling and assembling missiles inside the country, coordinated with aerial and drone strikes. According to Rajab, the attacks were not only precise but timed to coincide with a strategic moment: Thursday night, before the Friday holiday in Iran, when key commanders were likely to be at home.

Rajab also detailed the complexity of Israel’s operation: over 200 fighter jets entered Iranian airspace and struck around 100 targets. Notably, bunker-buster bombs were used to hit fortified underground missile storage, crippling Iran’s retaliatory capabilities. Israel’s military strategy, according to the hosts, mirrors its earlier tactics used against Hezbollah — rapid, simultaneous strikes that deny the opponent a chance to regroup or respond effectively.

The hosts raised serious questions about Iran’s intelligence breach. Footage emerging from Tehran shows that Israeli intelligence knew the exact locations — even specific rooms — where Iranian commanders were staying. Qais pointed to this as evidence of a deep infiltration, suggesting Israel had eyes within the Iranian military itself.

Iran reportedly launched about 100 drones in response, but most were intercepted, notably over Jordanian airspace — another geopolitical layer to an already explosive scenario. With Jordan acting as a buffer, and its strategic alliances with both Israel and the West, its role may become increasingly central as events unfold.

Beyond military concerns, the humanitarian and environmental implications loom large. Natanz is not only a nuclear site — it’s one of the most complex in the region. Strikes on such facilities raise the risk of radioactive contamination, potentially affecting drinking water and ecosystems across the Middle East. Qatari officials recently warned that any radioactive leak could devastate the region’s water supplies.

Another underreported dimension is the millions of Afghan refugees in Iran. With Iran’s defence capabilities heavily damaged, their safety is in serious jeopardy. Qais cited an Afghan journalist’s warning for refugees to avoid military sites, underscoring how far-reaching the ripple effects of this conflict might be.

Rajab noted that Iran’s leadership appears disoriented. The government is assessing damages, and there’s no confirmation yet of radiation levels at Natanz. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely. Trump’s prior statements calling for U.S. citizens to leave the Middle East — paired with Israel's swift operation — suggest Washington may have tacitly green-lit the assault.

Both speakers concluded on a sobering note. With the Revolutionary Guard and nuclear command structures decapitated, Iran’s regime may see this as an existential fight. Khamenei’s own movements remain unknown — potentially shifting between locations or protected in bunkers — but if Israel continues its offensive, Iran might resort to activating sleeper cells abroad or triggering proxy escalations.

The situation remains fluid. Civilian casualties are rising, nuclear risks are unresolved, and geopolitical shockwaves are already felt beyond Iran’s borders. This could mark a new chapter in regional warfare — one shaped not by battalions on foot, but by missiles, drones, and covert strikes.

Intel Focus will continue monitoring the developments. As Qais put it: “Let’s hope for de-escalation — but prepare for a region that may never return to what it was before.”