In an unprecedented step, Israel’s Mossad covertly smuggled explosive attack drones into Iran over recent months – hidden inside shipping containers, trucks, and even suitcases – to crack open Tehran’s air defenses and set the stage for a massive strike.
Underground Mossad teams assembled those drones near key Iranian sites, lying in wait to disable radar, missile launchers, and air-defense batteries. When the Israel Air Force launched its wave of ~200 aircraft on June 13 under “Operation Rising Lion,” Iran’s defenses were already crippled. en.wikipedia.org+9ynetnews.com+9thetimes.co.uk+9
Disabling the Defenses
According to the Wall Street Journal and Ynetnews, teams struck vital systems just as Israeli jets began their assault – destroying dozens of missiles and launchers before they could fire. This coordination gave Israel air superiority, enabling near-unopposed strikes on military, nuclear, and strategic targets. washingtonpost.com+11ynetnews.com+11i24news.tv+11
Striking the Heart of the Threat
The combined drone-and-aircraft campaign hit over 100 sites across Iran – including surface-to-surface missile bases, radar facilities, and the Natanz nuclear enrichment complex. High-profile casualties reportedly include top IRGC and military leaders such as Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists – delivered with pinpoint precision. en.wikipedia.org+5apnews.com+5nypost.com+5
Mossad Goes Public
In a notable shift, Mossad published footage of its agents carrying out operations in Iran – part intelligence propaganda, part psychological warfare. Sources note this is an emerging trend aimed at both internal morale and international signaling. theguardian.com
What Comes Next
Iran has retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Israeli cities – most intercepted. But with its defensive backbone weakened, Tehran may pivot to asymmetric retaliation via regional proxies, cyber attacks, or targeting Western assets. Analysts warn this is not a one-off – Operation Rising Lion signals a new era of hybrid warfare combining espionage, drones, and air power. thetimes.co.uk
The Bottom Line
Israel’s covert drone insertion was more than a clever trick – it was the linchpin of a daring, surgical strike designed to decapitate Iran’s defensive and nuclear infrastructure. As the region holds its breath, the question remains: will this crossfire spiral into a broader war, or force Iran to harden its posture behind crumbling defenses?
