Operation LION UNLEASHED – Regime SHAKEN

Israel launches Operation Rising Lion to decimate Iranian missile capabilities and possibly destabilize the regime, with promises of “more surprises” to come in the days ahead.

At a Glance

• Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targets Iran’s missile program and IRGC leadership, reportedly killing 30 commanders in initial strikes
• Israeli intelligence warns Iran could possess 8,000 ballistic missiles within two years, up from the current estimated 2,000
• Prime Minister Netanyahu called on Iranians to overthrow their “evil and oppressive regime” while promising more military action
• The U.S. is providing “unprecedented support” to Israel, with officials projecting the conflict may conclude within days
• Israeli forces have targeted 40 Iranian air defense systems while preparing for potential retaliatory missile attacks

Strategic Military Operation Underway

Israel has launched what appears to be a carefully calculated military campaign against Iran, designated “Operation Rising Lion.” The operation targets Iran’s growing missile capabilities and key leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Israeli intelligence sources, the immediate concern driving this action is Iran’s rapidly expanding ballistic missile arsenal, which is projected to grow from approximately 2,000 missiles currently to an estimated 8,000 within two years if left unchecked.

The initial phase of the operation has reportedly been successful beyond expectations, with Israeli strikes decimating IRGC leadership. A senior Israeli intelligence official revealed to Fox News that the first wave killed approximately 30 commanders of the IRGC air force, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership structure. Additionally, Israeli forces have reportedly targeted 40 Iranian air defense systems, potentially creating openings for future strikes.

Dual Objectives: Military Degradation and Regime Change

The operation appears to have dual objectives extending beyond immediate military concerns. While dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities remains a primary goal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements suggest a secondary aim of encouraging internal opposition to the Iranian regime. In a direct appeal to the Iranian people, Netanyahu urged them to overthrow what he called their “evil and oppressive regime,” promising that Israel’s actions would “pave the way for you to achieve your freedom.”

Netanyahu’s rhetoric deliberately echoed the “woman, life, freedom” slogan from the 2022 Iranian protests, which were violently suppressed by IRGC forces. The Israeli strategy appears to target the IRGC specifically because of its dual role in supporting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s government, providing both military power abroad and internal security capabilities to suppress domestic dissent. By weakening the IRGC, Israel may hope to create openings for opposition movements within Iran.

More Strikes Planned with U.S. Support

The senior Israeli intelligence official who spoke to Fox News made it clear that Operation Rising Lion is far from complete, stating bluntly: “We have more surprises coming up.” This suggests a multi-phase operation with additional targets already identified. The official expressed confidence in the mission’s progress, noting: “Everything is going as planned. Actually, better than planned.” Israel anticipates the operation could conclude within days, though they are preparing for retaliatory missile strikes from Iran in the interim.

A significant factor in Israel’s operational confidence appears to be unprecedented American support. “I think we can finish it in days… It’s a good thing that we have the U.S. by our side,” the Israeli official told Fox News. This coordinated approach suggests both nations share concerns about Iran’s growing missile capabilities and nuclear ambitions. The operation specifically targets facilities associated with Iran’s ballistic missile program and potentially its nuclear infrastructure.

Uncertain Outcomes and Regional Implications

Despite Israel’s confidence in the military aspects of Operation Rising Lion, analysts remain skeptical about the likelihood of regime change in Tehran. The absence of a coherent opposition movement and the regime’s demonstrated willingness to employ brutal suppression tactics against dissidents make a popular uprising challenging. Additionally, should the Ayatollah’s government feel truly threatened, there are concerns about potential desperate military actions, including possible acceleration of nuclear weapons development.

The regional situation remains volatile, with Iran funding proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis – all of which have recently attacked Israel. Iranian officials do not recognize Israel’s legitimacy as a state, adding ideological fuel to the military confrontation. Meanwhile, the Iranian population continues to face declining living standards and resource shortages while the regime prioritizes military spending through the IRGC, creating potential internal pressure points that Israel appears eager to exploit.