In one of the most audacious covert operations in recent history, Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, in collaboration with the Israeli military, executed a precision strike deep inside Iranian territory using smuggled drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and years of espionage groundwork. The operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” unfolded on June 13, 2025, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure with devastating accuracy.
Smuggling Drone Parts and Building a Covert Arsenal
According to multiple intelligence sources, Mossad agents spent over three years smuggling parts of explosive-laden quadcopter drones into Iran via suitcases, trucks, and shipping containers. These components were later assembled into fully operational drones and strategically positioned near Iranian missile and air defense systems.
The drones, including First-Person View (FPV) models, were launched from secret bases within Iran, enabling close-range strikes that neutralized key missile launchers and radar installations.
AI-Powered Target Selection
A critical element of the operation was the use of AI-driven surveillance and data analysis. Israeli intelligence used AI to sift through satellite imagery, intercepted communications, and human intelligence to identify high-value targets, including top Iranian generals, nuclear scientists, and missile infrastructure.
“This is the deepest we’ve ever operated inside Iran,” a senior Israeli official told The Wall Street Journal, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the mission.
High-Profile Assassinations and Strategic Strikes
Among those killed were Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, and Gen. Mohammed Bagheri, Iran’s military chief of staff. The strikes also destroyed underground bunkers, missile transport vehicles, and nuclear enrichment facilities, crippling Iran’s retaliatory capabilities.
Cybersecurity Fallout and Iranian Response
In the aftermath, Iran launched a sweeping crackdown, arresting suspected Mossad operatives and ordering officials to avoid internet-connected devices amid fears of further cyber infiltration. Iranian authorities also urged citizens to report suspicious foreign-linked properties, reflecting growing internal paranoia.
A New Era of Hybrid Warfare
The operation marks a paradigm shift in modern warfare, blending espionage, AI, cyber tactics, and drone warfare. Experts say it mirrors Ukraine’s drone strategy against Russia and signals how non-traditional warfare is reshaping global conflict zones.
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