Why in NEWS
Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites. In response, Iran retaliated with “Operation True Promise 3”, firing ballistic missiles at Israel. This marks a severe escalation in one of the Middle East’s most entrenched rivalries.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Operation Rising Lion | Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military assets including Natanz and Tehran |
| Operation True Promise 3 | Iran’s missile retaliation targeting Israeli cities |
| JCPOA | Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal |
| Strait of Hormuz | Strategic oil shipping lane critical to India’s energy imports |
| Two-State Solution | Proposal for independent Israeli and Palestinian states co-existing peacefully |
News in Detail
Israel attacked major Iranian sites, including nuclear enrichment facilities and missile storage areas. Iran retaliated with a missile offensive on key Israeli cities. The flare-up is rooted in long-standing ideological, religious, and geopolitical rivalries.
Iran supports groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, while Israel sees Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat. Both nations are involved in opposing sides of other regional conflicts, such as in Syria and Yemen.
Implications for India
| Domain | Impact |
|---|---|
| Energy Security | Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could raise oil prices, inflation, and slow India’s growth |
| Indian Diaspora | Over 66% of NRIs live in West Asia; India may face evacuation challenges |
| Strategic Connectivity | Projects like Chabahar Port and IMEC corridor could face delays |
| Diplomatic Balance | India must carefully navigate ties with both Israel and Iran to avoid taking sides |
Possible Solutions
| Solution Area | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Two-State Solution | Support for Gaza ceasefire and implementation of UN-backed resolutions |
| Diplomatic Engagement | Promote direct talks via neutral mediators like the EU or UN |
| Nuclear Accountability | Iran should return to JCPOA; Israel must respect Iran’s peaceful nuclear rights |
| Regional Forums | Encourage Iran-Israel dialogue within Arab League, GCC frameworks |
| Normalization Efforts | Reopen embassies and promote people-to-people diplomacy |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code – LION vs PROMISE = Energy Dip, Diplomatic Flip, Diaspora Risk
Think:
LION roared,
PROMISE struck back — India feels the heat via Oil, Trade, and Ties.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following best explains the term “Operation Rising Lion”?
A. Indian naval exercise
B. Israeli airstrike on Iran
C. UN peace mission in Gaza
D. Iran’s nuclear test - Strait of Hormuz is crucial for:
A. Only American oil imports
B. Indian food exports
C. Global oil shipping
D. Arctic route navigation - The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is related to:
A. Arms sales to West Asia
B. Israel’s missile defense
C. Iran’s nuclear programme
D. Palestine’s statehood
Mains Practice Questions
- Critically examine the causes of the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict and evaluate its implications for India’s strategic and economic interests.
- Discuss the role of diplomacy and international cooperation in resolving the Iran-Israel crisis. (GS2 – IR)
Prelims Answer Key and Explanations
| Q | Ans | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Operation Rising Lion refers to Israeli attacks on Iranian targets |
| 2 | C | Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital oil chokepoints |
| 3 | C | JCPOA deals with Iran’s nuclear activities and international inspections |
