Netanyahu Warns Israel Can Target Iran’s Nuclear Sites Without U.S. Support Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s ability to strike all of Iran’s nuclear facilities and welcomed international assistance in its ongoing military campaign.

In a statement given to public broadcaster Kan, Netanyahu emphasized, “All help is welcome,” while adding, “President Donald Trump will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu said Israel’s operation, now in its seventh day, is reshaping the region.

“I said that we’re changing the face of the Middle East, and now I say we’re changing the face of the world,” he stated. According to Netanyahu, Israel has already destroyed “more than half” of Iran’s missile launchers.

Netanyahu Hints at Targeting Iranian Supreme Leader

During a visit to Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, which was hit earlier by Iranian missile strikes, Netanyahu warned that “no one is immune” from Israeli attacks, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“I gave instructions that no one is immune,” Netanyahu stated. “I prefer not to deal with headlines and to let actions speak for themselves.” He added that while wartime requires careful communication, all options remain on the table.

Netanyahu clarified Israel’s strategic goals, saying, “The matter of changing the regime or the fall of this regime is first and foremost a matter for the Iranian people. There is no substitute for this. And that’s why I didn’t present it as a goal. It could be a result, but it’s not a stated or formal goal that we have.”

Iran’s Attacks Wound Civilians in Israel

Iran launched missiles at residential areas near Tel Aviv and targeted Soroka Medical Centre, wounding 240 people, including 80 patients and hospital staff.

Most of the wounded suffered minor injuries, as much of the facility had already been evacuated. In response, Israeli warplanes conducted further strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

The conflict began last Friday with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. A Washington-based Iranian human rights organization reported at least 639 deaths in Iran, including 263 civilians, and over 1,300 injuries.

Iran retaliated with hundreds of missile and drone strikes that have resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Israeli civilians and injuries to many more.

Israeli Defence Minister Calls Out Khamenei

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s message. “Preventing the existence of Khamenei, the modern Hitler – is one of the goals of the operation,” Katz said while touring a missile-hit site in Holon.

“A dictator like Khamenei, who leads Iran and has inscribed the destruction of Israel on his flag – he cannot continue to exist,” he added.

According to Katz, Khamenei is directly responsible for the missile strikes on Israeli civilian targets, including hospitals. “He uses all his resources for the cause,” Katz said, underscoring Khamenei’s ideological influence over Iran’s military decisions.

Israel to Act Independently if Needed

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not seek permission from any foreign country to act in its own interest. “Whether Donald Trump wants to join or not, that’s entirely his decision. He’ll do what is good for the United States, and I’ll do what is good for the State of Israel,” he said.

“We will achieve all our objectives and hit all of their nuclear facilities. We have the capability to do that.”

Israel has specifically targeted Iran’s enrichment site at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, a nuclear facility in Isfahan, and most of the country’s ballistic missile launchers.

One target, the Fordo nuclear site, is buried beneath a mountain and is considered accessible only to powerful U.S. bunker-buster bombs.

Airstrikes Extend to Rasht

Israeli airstrikes reportedly reached Rasht, a city on the Caspian Sea, early Friday. Israeli forces had warned residents to evacuate Rasht’s Industrial City, located southwest of the urban centre.

However, with internet access cut off across Iran, it remains unclear how many residents received the warning.

Israel, while believed to possess nuclear weapons, has never confirmed its nuclear arsenal publicly.

Donald Trump Mulls U.S. Involvement

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would decide within two weeks whether the U.S. military would join Israel’s campaign. He cited a “substantial chance” for renewed nuclear negotiations with Tehran.

Trump has alternated between calls for diplomacy and threats of military action, including veiled suggestions about targeting Ayatollah Khamenei.

These statements have stirred division among his supporters, especially between more hawkish Republicans and isolationists.

Iran Refuses to Surrender

In response to Israeli attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of “dire consequences” and vowed not to accept any imposed peace or surrender.

Iran continues to claim its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, despite enriching uranium up to 60 percent—close to weapons-grade.

On Thursday, anti-aircraft fire was reported across Tehran and Isfahan. Iranian state TV confirmed no radiation leak at the Arak facility, which had been evacuated prior to an Israeli strike.

Rising Death Toll on Both Sides

Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In retaliation, Iran has fired more than 400 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones.

The Israeli offensive has resulted in 639 deaths in Iran, including key military and scientific figures. At least 24 Israeli civilians have died in Iran’s counterstrikes, according to media reports.