Current Situation in the Middle East (apologize for the necessary length).

First, a reminder about war…it is NOT FAIR, it is NOT FREE, & the longer it
takes, EVERYONE LOSES. Lastly, speaking for myself, I am anti-stupid war (not
anti-war). However, when a nation’s leadership (Iran) calls for the
annihilation of another nation (Israel and America), there will eventually be a
price paid. I must say, Israel showed not only great restraint & patience over
many years to make this monumental decision to conduct this decisive & very
strategic offensive series of strikes but a level of military prowess &
capability that is historically without par.

As of June 13, 2025, Israel has launched a large-scale military operation named
Operation Rising Lion against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, ballistic
missile programs, and key military and scientific leadership. The operation
began in the early morning hours of June 13, with airstrikes reported across
Tehran and other cities, hitting Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility in
Natanz, nuclear weaponization programs, and military infrastructure. Notable
casualties include Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC), and Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy
Organization, among other senior officials. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
stated the strikes were preemptive, based on intelligence that Iran was close
to producing a nuclear weapon, with enough enriched uranium for up to 15 bombs
within days. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation
as ongoing, aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat and defending
Israel’s survival, while also claiming to protect regional allies from
Iranian aggression.

Iran has responded with over 100 drones launched toward Israel, according to
the IDF, though no significant retaliatory missile strikes have been confirmed
as of 04:35 AM Israel time. Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran, with
airbases closed and leadership convening to discuss retaliation. Iran’s air
defenses, already weakened by prior Israeli strikes in October 2024, which
destroyed all four S-300 systems, have left the country vulnerable. Iran’s
Defense Minister had previously warned of counterstrikes on U.S. bases in the
region if attacked, but no such actions have been reported yet. Iran’s
leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has historically vowed
strong responses to Israeli actions, though some sources suggest Iran may opt
for “strategic patience” to assess damage before retaliating, as seen in
past delays following major attacks.

The strikes follow months of escalating tensions, including Iran’s missile
attacks on Israel in April and October 2024 (Operation True Promise 1 and 2) &
the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July 2024, which
Iran attributed to Israel. Israel’s actions are driven by concerns over
Iran’s nuclear advancements, with the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) declaring Iran non-compliant in June 2025 for accelerating uranium
enrichment to 60%, close to weapons-grade, & possessing enough material for
multiple bombs. U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, ongoing since April 2025, have
stalled, with Iran rejecting demands to halt enrichment, prompting Israel to
act unilaterally. The U.S. has not provided offensive support, though it may
assist in defending Israel against retaliation, as it did in 2024.

The situation remains volatile, with risks of a broader regional conflict.
Iran’s weakened proxies (HB & Hamas) & degraded military capabilities limit
its immediate response options, but its long-range missile technology, capable
of reaching 3,000 km, poses a threat to Israel & potentially Europe. Social
media posts on X reflect anxiety among Iranians, with some expressing fears of
war, though these sentiments are not conclusive. The international community
(esp, China & Germany), has urged de-escalation.