By Tita Eric | June 13, 2025 | World News – TitaPost
JERUSALEM/TEHRAN — In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a sweeping air campaign early Friday targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and senior military figures. The operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” was followed within hours by a retaliatory wave of over 100 drones launched from Iran toward Israeli territory.
This marks the most serious military confrontation between the two longtime foes in recent years and raises fears of a broader regional conflict.
💥 The Strikes
Israeli forces reportedly struck over 100 targets, including:
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The Natanz uranium enrichment complex, long suspected of playing a central role in Iran’s nuclear program.
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Missile assembly plants and air defense systems in and around Tehran.
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Residences and command posts of high-ranking military personnel.
Iranian state media confirmed the death of several prominent figures, including IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the initial assault a “very successful opening strike,” asserting that the operation aimed to “eliminate an existential threat” and would continue “as long as necessary.”
🛡️ Iran’s Counterattack
In a swift response, Iran launched over 100 drones, prompting Israel to activate its full air defense systems. Most of the drones were reportedly intercepted before reaching key population centers.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed severe retaliation, accusing Israel of a “criminal violation of international sovereignty.” Iran also sealed its airspace, shut down major airports, and restricted media coverage in the immediate aftermath.
🌍 Regional & Global Implications
The international community is bracing for fallout:
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The United States has emphasized it was not involved in the operation and is working to protect its regional assets.
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Airspaces in Iraq, Jordan, and the Gulf were briefly closed amid fears of further strikes.
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Global oil prices surged by more than 8%, reflecting market fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route.
This escalation follows recent findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran was no longer cooperating with nuclear inspections—a violation not seen in over two decades.
🇨🇲 Why It Matters to Africa
While the conflict centers on the Middle East, the ripple effects will reach Africa:
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Energy costs could rise sharply across African economies, many of which import fuel and depend on price stability.
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Diplomatic alliances will be tested, as African Union members navigate the balance between non-alignment and global partnership expectations.
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Diaspora communities in the region, especially in countries like Sudan, Egypt, and Nigeria, are expressing concern for their safety amid potential unrest.
📢 What’s Next?
With both sides signaling readiness for further action, global powers including the UN, Russia, and China are urging restraint. However, analysts warn that neither side appears ready to back down.
For now, the world watches anxiously as a new chapter of confrontation unfolds—one that could redefine the strategic landscape of the region and impact global peace efforts.
