‘Years of planning, 200 aircraft, 300 munitions’: Israel smuggled drones, weapons into Iran before launching strikes | Inside Operation Rising Lion

Israeli officials have revealed that the country spent years preparing for its major operation against Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. According to The Times of Israel, preparations included smuggling precision weapons, setting up a covert drone base near Tehran, and inserting commandos into Iranian territory.

The operation, named “Rising Lion”, was launched early Friday and involved over 200 Israeli Air Force aircraft, the IDF said. Around 330 munitions were dropped on approximately 100 targets. Israel described the strikes as “preemptive” and “precise,” stating they were necessary to weaken Iran’s nuclear programme.

Mossad smuggled drones and strike systems into Iran

Citing two Israeli security sources, The Associated Press reported that Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, smuggled explosive drones into Iran. These drones were activated during the strikes to hit missile launchers aimed at Israel.

A base for launching drones was reportedly set up inside Iran itself. Officials said the drones were launched from this base overnight as part of the coordinated assault.

Israel also smuggled weapons and strike systems inside vehicles, placing them near Iranian air defence systems. These were activated during the attack to weaken Iran’s ability to respond.

“This relied on groundbreaking thinking, bold planning and surgical operation of advanced technologies, special forces and agents operating in the heart of Iran while evading the eyes of local intelligence,” an Israeli official told The Times of Israel.

United States was informed of the plan

Another Israeli official told The Times of Israel that the United States had been informed of the operation at least a week in advance. Coordination between the two countries has continued, especially after earlier Iranian attacks on Israel in April and October 2024.