Israel has significantly weakened Iran's nuclear capabilities and military leadership through a series of airstrikes, leaving Tehran with limited options for retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal about Israel's stance on Iran's nuclear program, drawing a clear red line at the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

The recent airstrikes by Israel have escalated tensions with Iran, following years of covert operations that came to light when Hamas, an Iranian ally, attacked Israel in 2023. These strikes have severely degraded Iran's missile capabilities and military network in the region, making it difficult for Tehran to mount an effective response.

Despite Iran's claims of launching hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation, Israeli sources report that the actual number was much lower, with most missiles being intercepted or falling short. The casualties on the Israeli side have been minimal so far.

Reports suggest that Israel had been meticulously preparing for this operation against Iran's nuclear and missile programs for years. This preparation involved setting up a drone base inside Iran, smuggling in precision weapons systems, and deploying commandos within the country.

Known as 'Operation Rising Lion,' this mission was a collaborative effort between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Mossad intelligence agency. Mossad operatives had established a secret drone base near Tehran, which was instrumental in targeting missile launchers aimed at Israel.

In addition to the drone base, weapon systems were smuggled into Iran using disguised vehicles to neutralize Iranian air defenses, allowing Israeli fighter jets to operate freely in Iranian airspace. Mossad also released footage of their strikes on Iranian air defense systems and ballistic missile sites, showcasing the precision and effectiveness of their operations.

The Israeli official described the mission as a combination of innovative strategy, meticulous planning, and precise execution, leveraging advanced technology, elite forces, and undercover agents operating deep within Iran while evading detection by Iranian intelligence.