The Israel-Iran 12-Day War: Escalation, Retaliation, and Ceasefire

Operation Rising Lion

• 🇮🇱 On June 13th, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, surprising Iran with air strikes on approximately 100 targets.
• 🎯 The strikes aimed to kill key Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, and targeted Iran's nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz.
• ⚠️ Israel stated the operation was a response to Iran nearing a nuclear weapon development point.

Iran's Counterattack

• 🚀 Over the following 10 days, Iran retaliated by firing 100 missiles at Israel on the first night alone.
• 🛡️ Israelis were forced to take shelter as sirens sounded in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

US Intervention and Operation Midnight Hammer

• 🇺🇸 On June 22nd, the US, under Trump, launched Operation Midnight Hammer.
• 💥 Seven B2 bombers dropped bunker buster bombs on two of Iran's underground nuclear facilities, and submarines launched over two dozen Tomahawk missiles.
• claims the operation obliterated Iran's nuclear capabilities, though the true extent of damage is questioned.

Ceasefire and Future Uncertainty

• 📉 Iran's retaliation was described as meek, with missiles aimed at US bases in Qatar and Iraq mostly intercepted without injuries.
• 🤝 Hours later, Israel and Iran agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire.
• 🤔 Reports of air strikes beyond the deadline raise questions about the durability of the truce between the two nations.