On June 13, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in response to Iran’s unprecedented missile barrage on Israeli cities, launched Operation Rising Lion—targeting at least 100 strategic sites deep inside Iran. These included the South Pars gas field, the globally significant Natanz uranium-enrichment complex, and multiple IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) command centers. These retaliatory strikes aimed to debilitate Iran’s military-muscle, its burgeoning nuclear capabilities, and its vital energy infrastructure.
This operation marks a crucial turning point—not only as a defensive response, but as a deliberate effort to project deterrence and warn against further Iranian aggression. With damaging geopolitical and economic consequences traversing borders, the strikes challenge global energy markets, energy security, diplomatic efforts, and consumer confidence worldwide.
Israel Strikes Iran Oil Fields: Tactical Objectives & Operational Precision
- South Pars gas field: On June 14, Israeli drones struck Phase 14 of the South Pars gas field in Bushehr Province, causing an explosion and fire that suspended approximately 12 million cubic meters/day of gas output. This field, one of the largest offshore gas reserves globally, underpins Iran’s domestic energy—critical for generating over 90% of its electricity .
- Natanz nuclear facility: The IDF targeted Natanz, destroying the above-ground portion of its Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, which housed roughly 1,700 IR‑4 and IR‑6 centrifuges. The IAEA confirmed severe damage, estimating several weeks—or more—will be required to resume full enrichment operations.
- IRGC command centers: Strikes in Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Tabriz, and other locations hit IRGC missile hubs, ammunition depots, radar sites, and command structures. Upwards of 20 senior IRGC officers were killed, including top commanders Hossein Salami and Major General Mohammad Bagheri. The overall campaign involved more than 200 fighter jets, including F‑35I Adir stealth aircraft, with support from Israeli drones and Mossad intelligence.
- Precision & intent: Israel employed precision munitions—possibly bunker-busters like GBU‑28—combined with subsonic drones and drones equipped for stealth. The goal: strike operational structures while minimizing surface-level civilian victims. Satellite images confirm extensive structural damage with no radiation spikes reported .
Damage Assessment & Energy‑Sector Impact
- Gas production disruption: South Pars output fell nearly 20%, reducing both internal power supply and export capacity. This shortfall cost Iran around $2 billion/month, leading to rolling blackouts in parts of the country.
- Nuclear delay: IAEA reports suggest that recovery at Natanz may require several weeks to months. Though Iran retains enrichment capabilities underground—like at Fordow—the strike temporarily hinders its breakout potential.
- Military setback: The targeted destruction of weapon depots, missile infrastructure, and command centers inflicted heavy losses. Analysts estimate a delay in Iran’s missile deployment cycle by several months following the elimination of key strategic stockpiles and leadership networks.
- Casualties
Iran confirms more than 224 killed and 1,277 injured, including civilians and IRGC personnel.
Regional & Global Ripple Effects
- Oil & gas market turmoil: Brent crude prices soared about 7%, nearing $95/barrel, while global gas futures in Europe and LNG prices in Asia jumped over 10‑12%. European stock markets and airline shares took immediate hits. Investor sentiment nosedived—Dow futures dropped 600‑700 points, gold surged, and the VIX spiked.
- China’s exposure: China’s stake in the South Pars field—part of a $400 billion investment—is now jeopardized. Beijing is watching the situation closely, with analysts warning that escalation will impact its Belt & Road energy strategy.
- Maritime chokepoints; Houthi militants intensified attacks in the Red Sea; shipping insurers raised premiums. Moreover, the U.S. Navy boosted patrols near strategic oil and shipping routes .
- Proxy warfare accelerates: Hezbollah launched rockets at northern Israel. Iran is alleged to be directing proxy groups across region, increasing the risk of full-scale multi-front conflict.
Diplomatic & Energy‑Security Stakes
- NPT tensions: In response to the strikes, Iran threatens to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). President Pezeshkian affirms Iran’s peaceful nuclear ambition—but Parliament is considering withdrawal.
- IAEA pushback: The IAEA detected no external radiological leakage but warned of increased nuclear risk. Robert Malley of the UN expresses deep anxiety over possible weaponization if Iran abandons the treaty.
- Global diplomacy disrupted: The G7 summit in Canada prioritized the Iran–Israel crisis. Germany and France urged restraint alongside renewed nuclear negotiations. U.S. and Chinese diplomacy are now focused on energy and defense cooperation, not just sanctions.
- Strategic supply-chain shake-up: Corporations and governments are recalibrating risk frameworks. Citibank cautions on long-term price volatility. Insurers are hiking premiums and revising Gulf coverage .
What’s Next? Forecasting the Path Ahead
- Iran’s options: Iran may retaliate through asymmetric proxies or UAV attacks. It could accelerate its nuclear program underground, move research to Fordow, or escalate cyber tactics. Threatening to exit the NPT marks a pivotal shift.
- Israel’s measures: Israel is improving stealth reconnaissance, defense systems, and coordinating shared regional security frameworks. Heightened naval patrols and deepening intelligence ties with Western allies signal expanded deterrence capacity.
- Global energy strategies: The EU is hastening renewable investments, LNG infrastructure, and pipeline alternatives. Asia is deepening ties with Qatar and considering new storage and tariff structures. The crisis may reshape energy sourcing for years.
Conclusion
Israel’s Operation Rising Lion reflects a strategic pivot—from defending its skies to proactively debilitate Iran’s military-nuclear nexus and livelihoods. Also the impact is vast: energy fields smolder, nuclear sites lie damaged, supply chains tremble, and global markets recalibrate.
This moment transcends mere military response. It highlights the interconnectedness of energy security, procurement processes, and geopolitical strategy—insights that resonate deeply with global corporate and government leaders.
Mattias Knutsson, a seasoned Strategic Leader in Global Procurement & Business Development, observes:
“These strikes go beyond defense—they alter how nations and corporations approach contracts on energy, defense, and infrastructure. When a single strike shutters a gas field, millions in treaty-based revenue and supplier reliability vanish overnight. Organizations now must embed geopolitical contingencies into every supply chain decision.”
Also his insight reminds us: this event isn’t just in the headlines—it’s disrupting supply pipelines, altering risk calculations, and shifting where global capital and confidence flows for decades. Energy sourcing strategies, insurance frameworks, and procurement contracts are all being rewritten.
As Israel strikes deeper into Iran strategic backbone, the reverberations are felt globally—in energy bills, diplomatic conversations, and boardroom decisions. Understanding the scope—from precise tactical strikes to systemic global shifts—is not just informative; it’s essential. The world is watching, markets are adjusting, and the future of regional balance is being reshaped—one missile, one megawatt, one decision at a time.
