On the night of June 23, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued a large-scale military operation against Iran, striking missile launchers and military targets that had not previously been attacked. According to the Israeli military, the targets were launch platforms and ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel, as well as ammunition depots in various regions of Iran, including the provinces of Khuzestan, Qom and Yazd. During the operation, several Iranian army militants were eliminated who, according to IDF statements, were attempting to prepare missile launchers for launch.

The operation, dubbed "Lion Rising," began on June 13 and was the largest in the history of direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. According to IDF spokesman Maj. Gen. Efi Defrin, the Israeli Air Force used more than 150 fighter jets, including F-35s, to carry out precision strikes. The strikes first targeted military bases in the Yazd region, where intelligence suggests Iran has been developing new types of drones and medium-range missiles. Israeli sources say the operation is aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by Iran's missile program, which Tel Aviv believes poses a direct threat to Israel's security.

Iran, in turn, confirmed the attacks, but said that damage to military infrastructure was minimal. The state news agency IRNA reported that air defense systems intercepted some of the missiles, and civilian infrastructure was not damaged. However, independent analysts, citing satellite images, noted damage to military facilities in the Tehran and Isfahan areas. According to Reuters, as a result of Israeli strikes in recent days, several warehouses with components for missile production were destroyed, which could slow Iran's military program for months.

Iran has stepped up its retaliatory measures amid the ongoing fighting. On the evening of June 22, Tehran launched a series of ballistic missiles into Israeli territory, targeting military targets in the Haifa and Tel Aviv areas. The IDF said most of the missiles were intercepted by missile defense systems, including Iron Dome and David's Sling, but several caused fires in the Haifa suburbs. According to preliminary information, 12 people were injured in the attack, but there were no casualties.

Israeli officials say the operation in Iran will continue until the threat is completely eliminated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed in an address to the nation that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten the security of its citizens. He also called on Iranians to rise up against the regime, saying "the time for change has come." In response, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel's actions "an act of aggression" and promised a "tough response."