Former IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus has asserted that Israel’s Operation Rising Lion has dealt a major blow to Iran’s regional influence and deterrence. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Conricus called Iran ‘the weakest that I’ve ever seen it,’ following the Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure and leadership. This operation, which targeted key figures such as the head of the country’s Intelligence Directorate and the commander of its surface-to-surface missile array, is seen as a significant milestone for Israel.
Conricus, who is also a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and co-founder of BottomLine Media, explained that Israel is targeting what it considers an existential threat. The attack, which took place in the early hours of Friday, is believed to have resulted in the deaths of more than 20 Iranian commanders, according to the IDF. He emphasized that to significantly impact the Iranian nuclear weapons program, Israel must continue its efforts with sustained intensity.
Conricus further noted that Iran’s influence over the Middle East, including its proxies, has been damaged. He credited Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks as the beginning of the ‘ring of fire’ around Israel that Iran had planned. With the recent strikes, he believes the regime’s strategic plans have been undermined. The attacks have not only weakened Iran militarily but also politically, prompting a shift in how regional countries perceive and respond to Tehran’s demands.
Despite the recent losses, Conricus acknowledged that there is still room for Iran to assert itself. The former IDF official also suggested that the internal unrest in Iran, which had already begun before the Israeli attacks, could be exacerbated. While it is too early to predict the regime’s fate, the situation may have significant implications for the country’s internal stability.