Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” has demonstrated a remarkable fusion of intelligence and special operations against Iran. This strategic surprise has severely impacted Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership, with Israeli forces achieving tactical success using over 200 aircraft to strike 100 targets. Can Israel save their agents from facing execution?
Israel’s Sophisticated Intelligence Operation Exposes Iranian Vulnerabilities
Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” has revealed unprecedented intelligence capabilities within Iran, demonstrating a sophisticated fusion of human intelligence, special operations, and advanced technology. Israeli security sources described placing weapons “in the open, not far from Iran’s air defense systems,” showcasing Mossad’s deep infiltration into Iranian territory.
The operation employed a three-pronged approach targeting missile systems, military leadership, and nuclear facilities, with pre-positioned munitions allowing Israel to achieve tactical surprise. An Israeli security official characterized the mission as “groundbreaking thinking, bold planning and surgical operation of advanced technologies, special forces and agents operating in the heart of Iran while evading the eyes of local intelligence.”
Mossad agents caught in Esfahan Iran 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/mw2nknuk3F
— Disputing Sunnah (@DisputingSunnah) June 16, 2025
Psychological Warfare and Direct Threats to Iranian Leadership
In a chilling demonstration of psychological warfare, Israeli intelligence agents directly contacted Iranian generals before strikes, giving them ultimatums to flee with their families. The recorded warnings, delivered in Persian, included statements like “I can advise you now, you have 12 hours to escape with your wife and child. Otherwise, you’re on our list right now,” revealing Mossad’s confidence in their intelligence capabilities.
The intimidation tactics extended to existential threats, with agents telling Iranian military figures, “We’re closer to you than your own neck vein. Put this in your head.” These communications not only served practical warning purposes but also functioned as powerful psychological operations designed to undermine Iranian military morale and confidence in their security apparatus.
The Washington Post has published an audio file in which Mossad agents contact 20 IRGC commanders and give them 12 hours to flee Iran, or they and their families will be killed. pic.twitter.com/Q1n01AUV8Y
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) June 23, 2025
Iranian Retaliation and Counterintelligence Measures
Iran has responded militarily by launching missile attacks on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the Ain al-Assad base in Iraq. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer,” signaling Iran’s determination to demonstrate strength while potentially seeking to avoid further escalation.
Internally, Iran has intensified counterintelligence operations, arresting numerous individuals suspected of working for Mossad. The assassinations of key figures, including Saeed Izadi, a senior Quds Force commander, and Behnam Shahryari, head of Unit 190, have exposed significant vulnerabilities in Iran’s security apparatus, with former intelligence minister Ali Younesi acknowledging that “Mossad is closer to us than our own ears.”