Israel's 'Rising Lion' Operation: Airstrikes on Iran and Retaliation

Israeli Strikes on Iran Spark Retaliation: Explosions Rock Tehran and Israeli Cities On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military command centers, initiating a significant escalation in regional tensions. The Israeli military operation, dubbed "Rising Lion," reportedly aimed to cripple Iran's nuclear program and eliminate key military personnel. Footage obtained by Reuters and shared by GMA News shows burning buildings in Tehran, the Iranian capital, providing visual confirmation of the attacks' impact. The attacks quickly prompted retaliatory airstrikes from Iran against Israel. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel's two largest cities, underscoring the rapid escalation of the conflict. The precise nature and extent of the damage caused by both sides' attacks are still being assessed. "It was chaos," said one eyewitness in Tehran, recounting the scene after the initial Israeli strikes. "The sky lit up, and we could hear explosions all around." The eyewitness's account highlights the fear and uncertainty experienced by civilians caught in the crossfire. The conflict has raised serious concerns about regional stability and the potential for a wider war. International efforts to de-escalate tensions are underway, but the immediate future remains uncertain.