Latest update: 14-05-2025, 15:52
Instead of historic peace efforts, on the dawn of 13 June, Israel launched its largest airstrike—codenamed Operation Rising Lion—targeting Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. In response, on Friday evening, Iran began a retaliatory campaign called Operation True Promise Three, deploying missiles and drones. The situation has rapidly escalated into an imperial-scale confrontation, sharply undermining security across the Gulf region.
China’s Appeal and UN Security Council Concern
• Emergency Session: On Friday night (13 June), the UN Security Council convened an urgent meeting with representatives from all permanent members.
• Fu Cong’s Statement: China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong declared, “Israel’s attack on Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity is entirely unacceptable. We strongly condemn this assault and urge Israel to cease hostilities immediately and refrain from any further risky military actions.”
• Warning: He cautioned that if the conflict continues to escalate, it will spread across the entire Middle East, with potentially devastating humanitarian consequences.
Israel’s Air Operation: “Operation Rising Lion”
• Date & Time: Began at 4:00 AM on 13 June
• Targets: Over 100 nuclear and military sites, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan
• Forces Involved: Approximately 200 aircraft in a joint operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad
• Stated Objective: Israel asserts the strikes were intended to halt Iran’s nuclear advancement.
• Casualties: Iranian officials report at least 78 killed and 329 wounded, including senior commanders.
Iran’s Retaliation: “Operation True Promise Three”
• Date & Time: Commenced late on 13 June
• Tactics: Launched roughly 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 attack drones
• Israeli Impact: Israeli sources report 3 fatalities and around 90 injuries, with significant damage claimed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Context of Nuclear Negotiations
• Dialogue in Oman: Since May, six rounds of talks have taken place in Muscat between Iranian and U.S. delegations.
• Upcoming Round Uncertain: Omani officials had confirmed a seventh session for 15 June, but the fighting has cast doubt on its feasibility.
• U.S. Proposal Rejected: Tehran recently dismissed a Washington-backed framework as “unacceptable,” a move that preceded Israel’s airstrikes.
Analysis & Recommendations
1. Mutually Conflicting Goals
• Israel aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons; Iran feels compelled to respond to perceived Western pressure and failed diplomacy.
2. Perils of Military Escalation
• The extensive use of missiles and aircraft has inflicted infrastructure damage but risks widening the conflict and intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
3. Importance of Diplomatic Channels
• The UN, the IAEA, and regional actors must urgently revive negotiations, ideally through an interim ceasefire to reopen dialogue.
4. Steps Toward Regional Stability
• Empower neutral mediators (e.g., Oman) in shuttle diplomacy.
• Increase international humanitarian aid and plan for refugee support.
• Mobilize third‑party peacekeeping or observer missions to de‑escalate frontline clashes.
