Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday asserted that Iran no longer possesses the capacity to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles, as the joint military campaign with the United States entered its third week.
Addressing a press conference, Netanyahu said, “(Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei ordered the renewal of missile and nuclear programmes and to bury them deep underground. We are acting not only to destroy the remaining missiles, a few remain, but to destroy the industries that enable the production of these programmes.”
“Now, after 20 days, I can announce to you that Iran has no ability to enrich uranium and has no ability to produce ballistic missiles,” he said in Hebrew during his opening remarks.
The remarks follow the reported killing of Ali Khamenei in a large-scale strike carried out by Israeli and US forces on February 28.
However, Netanyahu did not provide evidence for his claim that Iran no longer had the capacity to enrich uranium.
Iran ‘Weaker Than Ever’, Says Netanyahu
Describing Iran as “weaker than ever”, Netanyahu said Israel has emerged as a dominant force in the region, adding that it is “a regional power, and some would say a world power”.
However, he did not provide a specific timeline for the ongoing offensive but said the operation would continue “for as long as necessary”.
Netanyahu Dismisses Death Claims, Defends US Role In Iran War
Speaking to foreign media in English, Netanyahu also rejected speculation about his own death. “I want to say I am alive and you are witnesses to that,” he said.
“Now that I have debunked this fake news, I want to give you an update: The operation is designed to remove the existential threats from the Iranian regime that has declared war against the US, Israel, and the people in Iran and shouts death to America, death to Israel, and brings death to its people,” he said.
He then went on to respond to claims that Israel influenced Washington’s involvement in the conflict, and asked, “Does anyone really think that someone can tell (US President Donald) Trump what to do?
“Come on. Trump always makes his decisions based on what he thinks is good for America, and if I may add, also what is good for future generations,” he said.
Iran’s nuclear programme had been at the centre of mediated negotiations that eventually broke down, leading to the United States and Israel launching coordinated airstrikes on Iran on February 28.
In response, Iran carried out retaliatory missile attacks against Israel and across parts of the Gulf region, escalating the conflict into a broader regional confrontation.
Tehran also moved to restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy corridor, disrupting tanker movement and raising concerns over oil supply and shipping security.
