Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Iran is no longer capable of uranium enrichment or ballistic missile production after 20 days of conflict, vowing to reshape the Middle East.
Netanyahu Claims Iran’s Capabilities Crippled
Netanyahu asserted that after 20 days of war, Iran has lost the ability to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles, stating, “We will completely destroy them.” He claimed Iran intended to destroy thousands of buildings in Israel, but instead, destruction is occurring in Lebanon and Iran.
He added that Israel intends to fundamentally “change the Middle East.”
War Duration and Objectives
Addressing Israelis’ concerns about the war’s length, Netanyahu stated it would continue “as long as it takes,” assuring them, “Together we will win.” He outlined three objectives for Israel and the United States, acting with “great determination,” in the war with Iran: eliminating the nuclear threat, removing the ballistic missile threat, and creating conditions for Iranians to “seize their freedom.”
Targeting Iranian Infrastructure
The Israeli military is currently working to destroy Iran’s missile and drone arsenals, launch pads, and nuclear infrastructure. Netanyahu stated Israel is destroying Iranian industry in ways “not done before,” but acknowledged “much work remains.”
No US Involvement, Trump’s Autonomy
Netanyahu denied claims that Israel had drawn the US into the conflict with Iran, rhetorically questioning if anyone believes they can tell President Trump what to do. He stated Trump “always makes decisions based on what he believes is good for America” and “future generations.”
Future Conditions for Ending the War
When asked about ending the war, Netanyahu acknowledged that the US and Israel have defined “achievable goals” but declined to detail battle plans. He stated that once these goals are met, alternative routes for oil and gas outside the Strait of Hormuz must be established, advocating for pipelines across the Arabian Peninsula to “permanently eliminate bottlenecks.”
Strait of Hormuz and Oil Prices
The US, with Israeli support, is actively working to open the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu predicted that if successful, oil prices would fall, warning that succumbing to the Iranian regime would lead to “blackmail beyond your imagination.”
Denial of Misleading Information
Netanyahu denied misleading anyone, stating Israel acted alone regarding the recent attack on the Iranian gas facility. He confirmed that President Trump requested a pause on further attacks, which Israel is observing.
Partnership with Trump and Avoiding Catastrophe
Netanyahu stated he did not need to convince President Trump of the need to stop Iran’s nuclear program, describing their partnership as “the only way to avoid this catastrophic situation.”
Hezbollah and Potential Regime Change
Regarding Hezbollah in Lebanon, Netanyahu stated Israel has created a “security corridor” preventing invasion and has “plans for the future.” He added that if the Iranian regime falls, so will Hezbollah.
Internal Divisions Within Iran
Netanyahu believes there are divisions and internal tensions within the Iranian leadership, stating the authority held by the previous Supreme Leader will not be transferred to anyone. He sees “cracks in the Iranian regime” and believes it “may change, but it is not certain,” adding that it is up to the Iranian people to seize opportunities created by Israel.
Criticism of Trump from Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticized US President Donald Trump in the Bundestag, signaling a new confrontational course for Europe, which carries significant risk.
