Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu defended the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, calling Tehran’s leadership a “murderous regime” and warning it must never acquire nuclear weapons. He also urged Iranian citizens to rise against their government.
Netanyahu Defends US-Israel Strikes on Iran
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly defended the joint military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran, saying the operation was necessary to eliminate what he described as an “existential threat”.
Speaking in a televised address from Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said Iran’s leadership must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, arguing that such capability would threaten global security.
“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” he said.
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In his remarks, Netanyahu also appealed directly to Iranian citizens, urging them to challenge the current leadership in Tehran.
He said the military campaign could create conditions that would allow people in Iran to “take their fate into their own hands”. The Israeli leader accused Iran’s leadership of decades of hostility toward Israel and the United States, citing repeated slogans calling for the destruction of both countries.
Netanyahu also expressed appreciation for Donald Trump, describing the American leader’s role in the operation as “historic leadership” and calling him a strong ally of Israel.
The Israeli government said the joint military action was launched after diplomatic efforts with Iran failed to produce an agreement over its nuclear programme.
According to Israeli officials, the operation named Operation Lion's Roar is aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and weakening its military capabilities.
Netanyahu urged Israeli citizens to remain alert and follow instructions issued by the Israel Defense Forces and the Home Front Command as the security situation evolves. He warned that the coming days could be challenging and called on the public to remain united during the military campaign.
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Iran condemned the strikes and responded by launching attacks on several American military installations in the Middle East. Missile strikes reportedly targeted US facilities in Doha and Manama, while explosions were also reported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Iranian military officials warned that their retaliation would continue until what they described as the defeat of American and Israeli forces.
The rapidly escalating confrontation has raised concerns of a broader conflict across the Middle East, as both sides signal readiness for further military action. Security analysts warn that continued exchanges could destabilise the region and trigger wider geopolitical consequences if diplomatic efforts fail to resume.
