We in Israel are still catching our breath after the daring and decisive Operation Rising Lion over the skies of Iran. While the operation was a remarkable success, the prevailing sentiment here is that we are not yet “out of the water.”

Hundreds of Israeli Air Force sorties opened Iran’s airspace, paving the way for the U.S. to deploy GBU-57 bunker busters and B-2 bombers. Tehran is approximately 985.31 miles away from Tel Aviv. These strikes turned Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz into rubble. Meticulously planned, the operation showcased not only Israeli technological and strategic prowess but also seamless coordination with American military and intelligence agencies.

Over 12 days, more than 900 Iranians were killed, including 30 military commanders and 14 nuclear scientists. Israel lost 28 lives; over 3,000 were wounded, and 9,000 displaced. Iran launched over 500 missiles and 1,000 drones, mostly targeting civilians, while Israel focused on IRGC, military, and nuclear infrastructure.

Though pride in the operation is widespread, a sense of vigilance remains. Jihadist ideologies still thrive in the region. Gulf nations, while publicly denouncing the operation, are privately recalibrating their security frameworks in light of Iran’s weakened posture.

However, we are not certain that all objectives were achieved. U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine noted that Isfahan, believed to hold 60% of Iran’s enriched uranium, was not fully penetrated. Still, The New York Times reports that the strikes dealt a major blow to Iran’s ability to produce atomic weapons by disrupting uranium metallization.

Debate now rages about next steps. Some call for intensified sanctions or covert Mossad operations. Others question whether unilateral action or multilateral diplomacy is more effective. Iran condemned the strikes as aggression. Supreme Leader Khamenei declared “victory,” accusing President Trump of exaggeration. Trump fired back bluntly: “You got beat to hell.” When asked if he would strike again, he replied, “Absolutely.”

Amid mixed global reactions, Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, invoked the War Powers Act to condemn Trump’s actions without congressional approval. His amendment failed, 53–47, along party lines, with only Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, and Senator John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania, crossing the partisan divide.

Western allies are split—some hail the operation as necessary; others warn of destabilization. Satellite imagery and intercepted communications are under intense review, particularly of the excavations in the Fordow facility. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have expressed quiet approval, even as European leaders struggle to balance support for non-proliferation with fears of regional escalation, and the growing influence of their Muslim demographics.

Human rights groups raise concerns about civilian impact and long-term stability, stressing the need for a combined approach: diplomacy, economic pressure, and regional cooperation. The operation has reignited global discussions on the role of military force, especially in a world increasingly defined by cyber warfare. Iran’s cyber capabilities are significant, and Israeli cybersecurity efforts have intensified in response.

Operation Rising Lion is now a case study in modern deterrence. But it also raises difficult questions: Can precision strikes truly prevent full-scale war? Will they accelerate nuclear ambitions in secret?

As tensions escalate, traditional alliances are being tested. Nations like China and Russia are watching closely, adjusting their strategies. Meanwhile, Iran’s proxy networks have taken a hit—especially Hezbollah, which refrained from full engagement. Hamas remains active, but weakened. Reports of Hamas firing on civilians at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution center, killing 467, underscore the brutality of their tactics.

Meanwhile, nations such as Taiwan and South Korea can breathe a bit easier, with the knowledge that the United States is a great deal more than a “paper tiger.”

Despite Iran having been, at most, months away from a nuclear weapon, much of the Western narrative has been lost in virtue signaling—both toward Iran and the Palestinians. Military success alone isn’t enough. Diplomatic victories and public clarity are equally crucial. However, what is absent most is education—teaching our youth the moral difference between a nation striving to survive and those seeking its eradication, based on nothing more than generations of indoctrination to hate.

This operation may very well redefine the global balance of power. Whether it proves to be a bold deterrent or the first move in a longer confrontation, only time will tell. What is certain is that the world is watching—and the stakes have never been higher.

Sarah N. Stern is the Founder and President of EMET; a think tank focused on the Middle East.

We in Israel are still catching our breath after the daring and decisive Operation Rising Lion over the skies of Iran. While the operation was a remarkable success, the prevailing sentiment here is that we are not yet “out of the water.”

Hundreds of Israeli Air Force sorties opened Iran’s airspace, paving the way for the U.S. to deploy GBU-57 bunker busters and B-2 bombers. Tehran is approximately 985.31 miles away from Tel Aviv. These strikes turned Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz into rubble. Meticulously planned, the operation showcased not only Israeli technological and strategic prowess but also seamless coordination with American military and intelligence agencies.

Over 12 days, more than 900 Iranians were killed, including 30 military commanders and 14 nuclear scientists. Israel lost 28 lives; over 3,000 were wounded, and 9,000 displaced. Iran launched over 500 missiles and 1,000 drones, mostly targeting civilians, while Israel focused on IRGC, military, and nuclear infrastructure.

Though pride in the operation is widespread, a sense of vigilance remains. Jihadist ideologies still thrive in the region. Gulf nations, while publicly denouncing the operation, are privately recalibrating their security frameworks in light of Iran’s weakened posture.

However, we are not certain that all objectives were achieved. U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine noted that Isfahan, believed to hold 60% of Iran’s enriched uranium, was not fully penetrated. Still, The New York Times reports that the strikes dealt a major blow to Iran’s ability to produce atomic weapons by disrupting uranium metallization.

Debate now rages about next steps. Some call for intensified sanctions or covert Mossad operations. Others question whether unilateral action or multilateral diplomacy is more effective. Iran condemned the strikes as aggression. Supreme Leader Khamenei declared “victory,” accusing President Trump of exaggeration. Trump fired back bluntly: “You got beat to hell.” When asked if he would strike again, he replied, “Absolutely.”

Amid mixed global reactions, Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, invoked the War Powers Act to condemn Trump’s actions without congressional approval. His amendment failed, 53–47, along party lines, with only Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, and Senator John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania, crossing the partisan divide.

Western allies are split—some hail the operation as necessary; others warn of destabilization. Satellite imagery and intercepted communications are under intense review, particularly of the excavations in the Fordow facility. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have expressed quiet approval, even as European leaders struggle to balance support for non-proliferation with fears of regional escalation, and the growing influence of their Muslim demographics.

Human rights groups raise concerns about civilian impact and long-term stability, stressing the need for a combined approach: diplomacy, economic pressure, and regional cooperation. The operation has reignited global discussions on the role of military force, especially in a world increasingly defined by cyber warfare. Iran’s cyber capabilities are significant, and Israeli cybersecurity efforts have intensified in response.

Operation Rising Lion is now a case study in modern deterrence. But it also raises difficult questions: Can precision strikes truly prevent full-scale war? Will they accelerate nuclear ambitions in secret?

As tensions escalate, traditional alliances are being tested. Nations like China and Russia are watching closely, adjusting their strategies. Meanwhile, Iran’s proxy networks have taken a hit—especially Hezbollah, which refrained from full engagement. Hamas remains active, but weakened. Reports of Hamas firing on civilians at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution center, killing 467, underscore the brutality of their tactics.

Meanwhile, nations such as Taiwan and South Korea can breathe a bit easier, with the knowledge that the United States is a great deal more than a “paper tiger.”

Despite Iran having been, at most, months away from a nuclear weapon, much of the Western narrative has been lost in virtue signaling—both toward Iran and the Palestinians. Military success alone isn’t enough. Diplomatic victories and public clarity are equally crucial. However, what is absent most is education—teaching our youth the moral difference between a nation striving to survive and those seeking its eradication, based on nothing more than generations of indoctrination to hate.

This operation may very well redefine the global balance of power. Whether it proves to be a bold deterrent or the first move in a longer confrontation, only time will tell. What is certain is that the world is watching—and the stakes have never been higher.

Sarah N. Stern is the Founder and President of EMET; a think tank focused on the Middle East.

We in Israel are still catching our breath after the daring and decisive Operation Rising Lion over the skies of Iran. While the operation was a remarkable success, the prevailing sentiment here is that we are not yet “out of the water.”

Hundreds of Israeli Air Force sorties opened Iran’s airspace, paving the way for the U.S. to deploy GBU-57 bunker busters and B-2 bombers. Tehran is approximately 985.31 miles away from Tel Aviv. These strikes turned Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordow and Natanz into rubble. Meticulously planned, the operation showcased not only Israeli technological and strategic prowess but also seamless coordination with American military and intelligence agencies.

Over 12 days, more than 900 Iranians were killed, including 30 military commanders and 14 nuclear scientists. Israel lost 28 lives; over 3,000 were wounded, and 9,000 displaced. Iran launched over 500 missiles and 1,000 drones, mostly targeting civilians, while Israel focused on IRGC, military, and nuclear infrastructure.

Though pride in the operation is widespread, a sense of vigilance remains. Jihadist ideologies still thrive in the region. Gulf nations, while publicly denouncing the operation, are privately recalibrating their security frameworks in light of Iran’s weakened posture.

However, we are not certain that all objectives were achieved. U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine noted that Isfahan, believed to hold 60% of Iran’s enriched uranium, was not fully penetrated. Still, The New York Times reports that the strikes dealt a major blow to Iran’s ability to produce atomic weapons by disrupting uranium metallization.

Debate now rages about next steps. Some call for intensified sanctions or covert Mossad operations. Others question whether unilateral action or multilateral diplomacy is more effective. Iran condemned the strikes as aggression. Supreme Leader Khamenei declared “victory,” accusing President Trump of exaggeration. Trump fired back bluntly: “You got beat to hell.” When asked if he would strike again, he replied, “Absolutely.”

Amid mixed global reactions, Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, invoked the War Powers Act to condemn Trump’s actions without congressional approval. His amendment failed, 53–47, along party lines, with only Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, and Senator John Fetterman, Democrat of Pennsylvania, crossing the partisan divide.

Western allies are split—some hail the operation as necessary; others warn of destabilization. Satellite imagery and intercepted communications are under intense review, particularly of the excavations in the Fordow facility. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have expressed quiet approval, even as European leaders struggle to balance support for non-proliferation with fears of regional escalation, and the growing influence of their Muslim demographics.

Human rights groups raise concerns about civilian impact and long-term stability, stressing the need for a combined approach: diplomacy, economic pressure, and regional cooperation. The operation has reignited global discussions on the role of military force, especially in a world increasingly defined by cyber warfare. Iran’s cyber capabilities are significant, and Israeli cybersecurity efforts have intensified in response.

Operation Rising Lion is now a case study in modern deterrence. But it also raises difficult questions: Can precision strikes truly prevent full-scale war? Will they accelerate nuclear ambitions in secret?

As tensions escalate, traditional alliances are being tested. Nations like China and Russia are watching closely, adjusting their strategies. Meanwhile, Iran’s proxy networks have taken a hit—especially Hezbollah, which refrained from full engagement. Hamas remains active, but weakened. Reports of Hamas firing on civilians at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution center, killing 467, underscore the brutality of their tactics.

Meanwhile, nations such as Taiwan and South Korea can breathe a bit easier, with the knowledge that the United States is a great deal more than a “paper tiger.”

Despite Iran having been, at most, months away from a nuclear weapon, much of the Western narrative has been lost in virtue signaling—both toward Iran and the Palestinians. Military success alone isn’t enough. Diplomatic victories and public clarity are equally crucial. However, what is absent most is education—teaching our youth the moral difference between a nation striving to survive and those seeking its eradication, based on nothing more than generations of indoctrination to hate.

This operation may very well redefine the global balance of power. Whether it proves to be a bold deterrent or the first move in a longer confrontation, only time will tell. What is certain is that the world is watching—and the stakes have never been higher.

Sarah N. Stern is the Founder and President of EMET; a think tank focused on the Middle East.