Operation Roaring Lion Targets Iranian Leadership as IDF, U.S. Launch Broad Coordinated Strike

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the U.S. Armed Forces have launched a sweeping coordinated military campaign dubbed “Operation Roaring Lion,” targeting what Israeli officials describe as existential threats posed by the Iranian regime.

According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the joint operation struck dozens of military sites across Iran as part of a broad effort to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure and disrupt command-and-control capabilities. Israeli officials characterize the campaign as a strategic effort to neutralize long-term threats to the Jewish state.

Quoting unnamed Israeli sources, Channel 12 reported that Israel assesses the strikes have achieved “very high success” in their objective of eliminating elements of Iran’s leadership structure. The report, broadcast under military censorship guidelines and not officially confirmed, said the assessment relates to senior commanders and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Hebrew media previously reported that a presidential facility was among the targets during the initial wave.

Israeli officials are said to be “very satisfied” with the results thus far.

IRGC Commander Reported Killed

Israeli sources say Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in the opening strikes. The IRGC is central to Iran’s ballistic missile program and oversees Tehran’s regional proxy operations.

Pakpour had taken command after his predecessor, Hossein Salami, was killed during Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran last year.

Channel 12 further reported in carefully worded language that “it is not clear that [Iran’s Supreme Leader] did not undergo a dramatic event,” referring to Ali Khamenei. The outlet previously noted that Khamenei had been considered a potential target.

Iranian Retaliation and Regional Expansion

Since Saturday morning, approximately 35 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran toward Israel, according to preliminary Israeli military assessments. Several were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, while others landed in open areas. Medics reported at least one person lightly injured from falling debris.

The conflict has widened across the Gulf region. In the United Arab Emirates, state media reported that one person was killed in Abu Dhabi after Iranian missiles targeted the country. Although interceptions were reported, debris fell in the capital, killing an Asian national. Explosions were also heard in Dubai’s marina district.

Additional explosions were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, signaling a sharp escalation beyond the Israeli front.

Large-Scale Mobilization

Amid Operation Roaring Lion, the Israeli military has called up approximately 20,000 additional reservists, primarily within the Air Force, Intelligence Directorate, Home Front Command, and Navy. This is in addition to roughly 50,000 reservists already serving.

Israeli leaders have framed the campaign as a decisive effort to dismantle Iran’s offensive capabilities and prevent future strategic threats, emphasizing that the operation is ongoing and that further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.

Prophetic Perspective: Elam and the Removal of Kings

For many believers, developments involving Iran evoke the biblical region of Elam — an ancient kingdom located in what is now southwestern Iran. In Book of Jeremiah 49:34–39, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of judgment coming upon Elam, declaring that the Lord would “break the bow of Elam,” a symbolic reference to the shattering of military power.

The passage goes further. It speaks not only of scattering, but of the removal of governing authority — the disruption of kings and officials who rule. In prophetic language, the shaking touches leadership structures themselves. Thrones are unsettled. Power centers are dismantled.

Yet the prophecy does not end in destruction.

Jeremiah concludes with a remarkable promise: “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come.” The same chapter that announces judgment also declares restoration.

Some prophecy observers note the striking pattern: the breaking of military strength, the removal of rulers and officials, upheaval at the highest levels — followed by eventual renewal. While interpretations and timelines vary, the biblical framework presents conflict not as the final word, but as a transition point.

As Operation Roaring Lion unfolds and regional tensions intensify, the ancient words of Jeremiah continue to resonate for those who interpret events through a prophetic lens — a season of shaking, the possible removal of kings and officials, and beyond it, the promise that restoration may ultimately follow turmoil.

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