The Israeli Mossad conducted an elaborate covert campaign inside Iran to dismantle its air defenses and blind key systems, setting the stage for a sweeping air assault that decimated military and nuclear targets.
At a Glance
- Israeli intelligence operatives embedded inside Iran executed sabotage missions ahead of the June 13 attack on over 100 strategic sites
- Mossad teams reportedly used drones, cyberwarfare, and precision explosives to neutralize radars and disrupt communications
- The main strike targeted Natanz, Tabriz, and IRGC installations, killing over two dozen senior Iranian military and nuclear officials
- Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise III—firing 150 missiles and 100 drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted
- International observers warned the conflict may escalate into a broader regional war if diplomacy fails
Sabotage in the Shadows
In the weeks leading up to the attack, Israeli agents executed a multi-phase sabotage campaign deep inside Iranian territory. According to The Australian, Mossad operatives established a covert base near Tehran to coordinate the disabling of air-defense radars and missile control systems. Analysts believe teams deployed kamikaze drones and planted explosive devices to degrade early-warning capabilities.
The Atlantic confirms that by the time Israeli fighter jets and missiles launched on June 13, Iran’s airspace was vulnerable and communication lines compromised—allowing the operation to unfold without resistance.
Watch a detailed breakdown: How Israel Executes “Rising Lion”.
High-Level Eliminations
Once the kinetic phase began, strikes hit over 100 high-value targets including the Natanz nuclear facility, Tabriz airbase, and IRGC command posts. The Times reported that at least 20 senior military officials and six nuclear scientists were killed, including Major General Hossein Salami. Facilities vital to missile development and uranium enrichment were left in ruins.
Iran’s Counterstrike and Global Fallout
Iran’s immediate response—Operation True Promise III—unleashed over 150 missiles and 100 drones toward Israeli territory. Though most were intercepted, casualties included three dead and more than 170 injured, according to The Washington Post. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed continued pressure “as long as needed.”
Meanwhile, The New Yorker reports heightened diplomatic tensions, with the UN and regional actors urging restraint. Yet the scale and depth of Israel’s covert operations suggest
