On June 15, 2025, Israel launched a daring airstrike on the headquarters of Iran’s Quds Force, a formidable branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directly under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Dubbed “Operation Lion’s Roar,” this strike marks a significant escalation in the simmering conflict between Israel and Iran, raising fears of a wider regional war. Israel claims the attack was a necessary response to Iran’s nuclear advancements and recent missile assaults, while Iran vows a fierce counterattack, intensifying the stakes in an already volatile Middle East.
The Quds Force, renowned for its clandestine operations and backing of proxy groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen’s Houthis, is central to Iran’s regional power. Israel’s military stated the strike targeted a key command center in Tehran, aiming to disrupt the unit’s leadership and operations. According to IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the operation involved advanced fighter jets striking over 90 targets, including IRGC facilities and sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program. Unverified posts on X suggest Israel used sophisticated tactics, possibly luring Quds Force commanders into a fortified bunker before destroying it, though details remain unclear.
The operation follows a series of Israeli strikes starting June 13, which killed senior IRGC figures, including commander Esmail Qaani and nuclear program officials, with Iran reporting 230 deaths, mostly civilians, and over 1,300 injuries. Residential areas in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad were hit, prompting Iran’s Foreign Ministry to denounce the attacks as reckless. In response, Iran unleashed a barrage of ballistic missiles on Israeli cities like Jerusalem and Beersheba, killing at least 12 and injuring 180. Damage to Israel’s energy infrastructure, including a gas facility in Ashkelon, underscored Iran’s ability to penetrate Israel’s defense systems, despite the Iron Dome’s efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes as a critical move to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions, claiming Tehran could soon produce multiple nuclear warheads. He called on Iranians to “rise against your oppressors,” framing the attack as a challenge to the regime’s grip on power. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, however, promised a “devastating retaliation,” and IRGC deputy commander Ali Fadavi announced heightened military drills. Iran’s counterstrikes targeted Israeli oil refineries, further escalating the conflict’s economic toll.
The international response has been one of alarm. U.S. President Donald Trump, while distancing the U.S. from Israel’s initial actions, urged both sides to negotiate peace, warning Iran against attacking American interests. The U.S. has reinforced its regional presence, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group and evacuating non-essential personnel from its Baghdad embassy. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticized Iran for obstructing nuclear inspections, noting damage to sites like Arak but no direct hits on fortified nuclear facilities. Diplomatic efforts, including planned talks in Doha, have faltered, with Iran accusing the U.S. of enabling Israel’s aggression.
Experts suggest Israel’s strategy—combining targeted assassinations, nuclear sabotage, and air superiority—seeks to destabilize Iran’s regime, potentially sparking internal dissent. However, Iran’s missile arsenal, though strained, remains formidable, with thousands of drones and precision-guided missiles. The human cost is mounting: Iran reports over 250 deaths, including dozens of women and children, while Israel grapples with unprecedented missile attacks. Economically, both nations are reeling—Iran’s oil exports are disrupted, and Israel’s defense systems are stretched thin.
The conflict shows no signs of abating. Regional actors like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are pushing for mediation, but Iran’s threats against U.S. allies and Israel’s relentless campaign point to prolonged hostilities. As global powers scramble to prevent a broader war, the U.S. faces pressure to balance support for Israel with avoiding direct involvement. With both sides dug in, the risk of miscalculation looms large, threatening to engulf the region in chaos.
