Operation Rising Lion grabbed global attention as President Donald Trump confirmed the United States was fully aware of Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran. Trump dismissed the notion it was just a “heads‑up,” asserting, “we know what’s going on,” after talking with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The operation unfolded early Friday with over 200 Israeli jets striking dozens of Iranian nuclear and military targets in five waves. Israeli officials reported eliminating senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders and six nuclear scientists. In response, Tehran launched a missile and drone barrage targeting major civilian sites and infrastructure. Most were intercepted, though some evaded air defenses, resulting in casualties.
President Trump clarified to the Wall Street Journal that the U.S. was fully aware of Israel’s intentions: “Heads‑up? It wasn’t a heads‑up. It was, we know what’s going on,” he said. He repeated Israel’s attack was “very successful” and reinforced U.S. support. Trump added it was timed a day after his 60‑day warning to Iran: “They should have made a deal…and today is 61,” he noted.
Israel Defense Forces described the strikes as a “preemptive, precise, combined offensive,” backed by “high‑quality intelligence” aimed at neutralizing Iran’s growing nuclear threat. Trump emphasized the operation should encourage diplomacy: “They still can make a deal while they have something left,” he told the Wall Street Journal.
Internationally, leaders greeted the news with mixed reactions. European powers urged restraint, while military analysts noted the strategic advantage of surprise. The U.S. began deploying missile defense systems to support Israel, though it denied direct participation in the strikes.
