Operation Rising Lion: How Israel Deceived and Eliminated Iran’s Top Commanders in a Masterclass of Psychological Warfare
On June 13, 2025, Israel executed Operation Rising Lion, a meticulously coordinated military strike that eliminated more than 30 senior Iranian military leaders in a single blow. But this was not just a military assault—it was a psychological masterpiece.
The Israeli operation, coordinated by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Mossad, and intelligence allies, didn’t just rely on precision airpower. It relied on deception, human behavior analysis, and deep-cover assets to manipulate Iran's top commanders into attending and staying at a high-level military meeting inside a secure bunker—right up until the moment the missiles struck.
Psychological Manipulation: The Real Weapon
Israel’s Mossad, renowned for covert operations, laid the groundwork weeks in advance:
1. Creating a False Sense of Security
Israel publicly emphasized diplomacy, hinting at revived negotiations with the U.S. and de-escalation in Gaza.
Netanyahu was seen engaging in other distractions, projecting a state of strategic calm.
This lulled Iranian leadership into a false sense of regional stability.
2. The Perfect Pretext
Mossad, using a blend of cyber, human intelligence (HUMINT), and intercepted communications, manufactured a legitimate-seeming reason for IRGC Aerospace Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh and others to attend a strategic coordination meeting in a secure underground facility.
Intelligence insiders confirm the meeting was not irregular; it had the appearance of a routine but vital discussion.
3. Misinformation to Keep Them There
Mossad didn’t stop at summoning the targets—they subtly influenced the conditions that ensured they remained inside the bunker:
Internal Iranian chatter emphasized stability and security.
No heightened alerts or signals of Israeli activity were detected.
Reports suggest some were advised “this location was the safest place to be.”
“We knew this would lead them to meet — but more importantly, we knew how to keep them there.” – Israeli Official (The Times)
Precision Execution
When the strike came:
Israeli drones and aircraft launched from multiple fronts.
Covert teams had earlier sabotaged radar and air defense systems within Iran.
The strike was surgical: the bunker housing over 30 top-level Iranian commanders was destroyed, killing most and crippling the IRGC's Aerospace and air defense leadership.
High-value targets eliminated included:
General Amir Ali Hajizadeh (IRGC Aerospace)
IRGC Commander Hossein Salami
Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri
Top nuclear scientists and ballistic missile program directors
Strategic Impact
Command chain decapitated: Iran’s air defense and nuclear programs were paralyzed.
Minimal collateral damage: Civilian infrastructure was untouched, thanks to pinpoint intelligence.
Iran’s retaliation muted: Though Iran fired drones and missiles in return, nearly all were intercepted.
This wasn’t just a military win—it was a psychological rout. Iran was outmaneuvered mentally before a single missile flew.
Conclusion
Operation Rising Lion is a case study in 21st-century warfare, where disinformation, behavioral engineering, and surgical strikes are as critical as bombs and bullets. Israel didn’t just defeat Iran in battle—it walked them, willingly, into a trap and sealed the bunker shut.
This operation highlights a new era of warfare, one fought not just with drones and satellites but with narratives, psychology, and data.
References
Barrett, R. (2025, June 13). Secrets and spies: How Israel lulled Iran as Mossad plotted its attack. The Australian. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/secrets-and-spies-how-israel-lulled-iran-as-mossad-plotted/news-story/e08f9c331ef75f3a434fb090a0271c9f
Ben-David, A. (2025, June 13). How Israel attacked Iran: from masked men in the desert to devastation. The Times. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-israel-attack-iran-mvv0sw6d2
Times of India. (2025, June 13). Operation Rising Lion: How Israel tricked Iran's military leaders to gather in one place before strike – explained. Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/operation-rising-lion-how-israel-tricked-irans-military-leaders-to-gather-in-one-place-before-strike-explained/articleshow/121832537.cms
Bennett, J. (2025, June 14). Iran’s military stunned after top brass killed in Israeli strike. Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-798351
