Rising Lion Day 4: What Long-Term Security Looks Like
Operation Rising Lion: June 16, 2025
We’re not just reacting.
What’s happening in Iran is the culmination of years of planning — complex but critically necessary — to secure a safer future for Israel and the West.
What you’re seeing is what it looks like when long-term strategy meets real-world urgency: stopping Iran’s march to nuclear weapons, dismantling its terror infrastructure, and doing it before the cost of waiting becomes irreversible.
It’s hard. It comes at a tragic cost. But it’s what’s required.
First, help us spread the truth by clicking share. It only takes a second.
What You Need to Know
The IDF has struck 865+ military targets so far
As of today, the IDF has attained full aerial superiority throughout Tehran
20+ senior commanders were eliminated
The latest addition to the list were the heads of the IRGC and “Al Quds” intelligence, together with their deputies.
Last night, IDF missile hunting sorties eliminated 120 missile launchers, using that same aerial superiority over Tehran. This is a full third of remaining Iranian missile launchers and reduced the size of yesterday’s barrage by half.
That said, Iranian ballistic missiles still killed at least 8 Israeli civilians last night in two barrages that consisted of 65 missiles and dozens of UAVs
The threat is still active — and still aimed at civilians.
Strike on Iranian Operatives Prepping to Launch Rockets
Why We’re Fighting
Iran isn’t hiding its intentions.
It has broadcast them.
For example:
“The Islamic resistance axis and its members are determined to continue on the path of resistance, to expel Zionists from Palestine and Jerusalem, and to bring about the collapse and destruction of the Zionist regime following the geopolitical attack."
Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Hossein Bagheri
Bagheri was, of course, eliminated in the opening salvo of operation Rising Lion, on June 13.
But the challenge is more systemic.
This regime has funded and armed terror from Gaza to Lebanon to Yemen (and if you needed an example, rockets were fired from both Yeman and Gaza earlier today). It has developed thousands of ballistic missiles. And now it is accelerating toward nuclear weapons and trying to stockpile far more
That’s why we acted..
To prevent the future they’re planning, not just respond to it.
Your Monday Morning Update
Earlier today, the IDF Spokesperson confirmed that Israel controls the skies of Tehran…and we’re using that dominance to systematically dismantle Iran’s military capabilities:
In one wave, 36 aircraft struck over 20 Al Quds Force sites yesterday. Al Quds has been the primary exporter of terrorism, providing weapons and means to use against Israel. The strike first focused on aerial defense batteries before continuing with key command centers.
The strike also eliminated the Head of IRGC Intelligence, the Head of Al Quds Intelligence and both of their deputies. These were key architects of terror operations across the region
In another wave at 11:15pm Israel time on Sunday, 34 IAF aircraft struck ballistic missile sites in Isfahan. The targets had been identified by drones who provide round the clock coverage.
The IDF also struck ballistic missile production facilities, including a key explosives production facility — the core supplier for its drone and missile warheads.
Defense: Preempting the Next Launch
Our aerial activity isn’t only about offense.
Our aerial superiority over Tehran lets us intercept threats before they materialize with, for example, over 120 launchers destroyed. Each launcher destroyed means potential lives saved in Israel.
In another example - remarkable for the distance from Israel at which it’s taking place - an Iranian anti-aircraft squad was eliminated seconds before it reached launch readiness.
We are closing the gap between threat and response — fast.
But some missiles still get through.
The Human Cost
The numbers from last night are hard to read.
65 ballistic missiles.
Dozens of UAVs.
Haifa, Petach Tikva, and Tel Aviv hit.
At least 8 civilians died last night.
Over 20 killed since the start of the operation.
Hundreds wounded.
These are not accidental impacts. They’re direct attacks on homes. Families. Intentional, calculated, and criminal.
And they further steel our resolve. This must stop. Iran must be stopped
Looking Ahead
This isn’t just a moment. It’s a turning point.
We are facing today’s fire — so our children don’t face a nuclear one.
But for now — share this. Talk about it. Help the world understand: this war isn’t just about survival today.
It’s about ensuring safety tomorrow.
LTC Nadav Shoshani
Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson
Am Yisrael Chai!
Thank you for the honest update. May Hashem continue to His blessings on Israel and the IDF.