On June 14, 2025, as part of Operation Rising Lion, Israel struck an underground storage facility for surface-to-surface ballistic and cruise missiles in western Iran, near the city of Piranshahr, where, according to the IDF, they were also launched. This was reported by the BBC, citing verified video footage showing fire and smoke in the area of ​​the facility. The aim of the attack, as stated by a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was to weaken Iran's missile potential, which could threaten Israel's security. The strike killed Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri and the commander of the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, who was in charge of the missile program.

The commander of the fighter squadron that took part in the attack stated:

"We flew on a national, historic and difficult mission to Iranian soil to pave the way for the remaining days of this campaign - to ensure the safety of the residents of the State of Israel," — an IDF spokesman quoted him as saying.

The operation, which began on the night of June 13, involved strikes by more than 200 aircraft on 100 targets, including the Natanz nuclear facility and military bases. According to The New York Times, Israel's Mossad intelligence agency had been collecting intelligence on Iran's military and nuclear facilities for years, and before the attack lured IRGC commanders to an underground meeting, allowing for a pinpoint strike.

On the night of June 14, the Israeli Air Force continued the operation by attacking the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, a key hub for oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media, including Fars, reported explosions and fires at the port, causing a temporary halt to shipping. An Israeli intelligence source cited by Araz News claimed the port was being used to store missile components. Iran denies the presence of military cargo, saying civilian infrastructure was damaged.