Israeli and US Agencies Collaborate on Joint Operation Against Iran
Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has thanked the CIA for its close cooperation during recent attacks on Iran, which were conducted as part of Operation Rising Lion. The operation, launched on June 13, saw the use of drones smuggled by Israeli agents to target senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. These strikes were accompanied by airstrikes across Iran, with the goal of preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. The US joined the attacks on June 22, targeting three nuclear sites, including an underground uranium enrichment center in Fordow.
Joint Operations and Strategic Statements
Mossad Director David Barnea expressed gratitude to the CIA for its joint action and support, as stated in a Wednesday statement quoted by AFP. Barnea emphasized the significant neutralization of the Iranian threat and vowed to continue monitoring Iranian projects. Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe claimed the strikes “severely damaged” Iran’s nuclear program. However, US media outlets cited a Pentagon assessment suggesting the attack only delayed Iranian nuclear activities by months.
Iran’s Response and Regional Tensions
Iran, which denies having a military nuclear program, has condemned the attacks as unprovoked and responded with missile launches at Israeli cities and the US airbase in Qatar. Tehran also vowed to continue uranium enrichment. The ceasefire brokered by Washington, which came into effect on Tuesday, has so far been upheld. These developments have raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation of tensions between Iran and its adversaries.