Netanyahu Defends Strikes on Iran, Cites Nuclear Threat and Vows Continued Operations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is approaching its strategic objectives in Iran following recent US-led airstrikes targeting Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, June 22, Netanyahu said, “I have no doubt that this is a regime that wants to wipe us out, and that’s why we embarked on this operation to eliminate the two concrete threats to our existence: the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat.”

He emphasised that Israel would continue its military actions until both threats were removed. “We are moving step by step towards achieving these goals. We are very, very close to completing them,” Netanyahu added.

No War of Attrition, But No Early End

The Israeli leader made it clear that while Israel is determined to meet its objectives, it does not seek a prolonged conflict. “We won’t be dragged into a war of attrition but also won’t end the campaign prematurely,” Netanyahu said.

He also revealed that Israeli intelligence has uncovered new information about Iran’s uranium enrichment programme. “We have interesting intel on the location of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium,” he stated, hinting at the possibility of further strikes.

Netanyahu Visits Western Wall, Prays for Trump

Hours after the airstrikes, Netanyahu visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem with his wife, Sara, to pray for US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration authorised the bombing of key Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a video released by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Netanyahu is seen placing a handwritten note into the wall.

He prayed, “Bless, protect and help the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who has taken it upon himself to drive out evil and darkness in the world.”

Trump Defends Strikes, Urges Iran to Choose Peace

President Donald Trump, who authorised the airstrikes as part of Operation Midnight Hammer, defended the action and urged Iran to make peace.

“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace,” Trump declared.

The US President also warned, “There will either be peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran.”

US Military Delivers Devastating Blow

The Pentagon confirmed that B-2 bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iran’s key nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

While Iranian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) claimed there was no radiation leak, the Pentagon reported “sustained, extremely severe damage and destruction” to the sites.

Iran Condemns Strikes, Vows Response

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the US-led strikes and warned of retaliation. In a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian said, “The Americans must receive a response to their aggression.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attacks as violations of international law and the UN Charter. He warned of “dangerous consequences” and announced plans to coordinate with Russia during a visit to Moscow.

US Signals Diplomacy Still Possible

Despite the aggressive military action, the Trump administration indicated that diplomatic efforts were still on the table.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refrained from committing to further military action if Iran retaliates or disrupts oil shipping routes.

“I’m not going to take options away from the president, that’s not something we’re talking about right now in terms of being immediate,” Rubio said. He added that closing the Strait of Hormuz would have severe global consequences, particularly for China.

Netanyahu Defends Israeli Strikes in Special Address

Following the airstrikes, Netanyahu delivered a televised address, titled Operation Rising Lion, defending Israel’s actions and warning of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Netanyahu accused Tehran of working towards producing nuclear weapons, saying, “Iran has produced enough highly-enriched uranium for nine atom bombs. In recent months, Iran has taken steps to weaponise this uranium.”

The Israeli Prime Minister likened the current threat to the Holocaust, stating, “Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear Holocaust perpetrated by the Iranian regime.”

He declared, “Israel will never allow those who call for our annihilation to develop the means to achieve that goal.”

Israel Targets Nuclear and Missile Programmes

Netanyahu confirmed Israeli forces struck Iran’s main uranium enrichment facilities, targeted nuclear scientists, and attacked Iran’s ballistic missile programme.

He warned that Iran could soon produce 10,000 ballistic missiles, each capable of carrying explosives or nuclear payloads, calling it an “intolerable threat.”

Message to Iran’s People

Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people directly, stating, “Our fight is not with you. Our fight is with the brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years.”

He concluded with a warning to Iran’s leaders and a message of strength to Israel’s allies, saying, “When enemies vow to destroy you, believe them. When enemies build weapons of mass death, stop them.”

“May God bless Israel. May God bless the forces of civilisation everywhere.”