Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a series of statements during a live press conference addressing the ongoing conflict with Iran, regional dynamics, and international coordination.
Netanyahu appeared publicly, stating, “I am alive. You are all witnesses,” amid ongoing tensions and speculation.
On Iran’s capabilities, he claimed that Iran no longer has the ability to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles. He also warned that the leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be “very short-lived.”
Addressing military operations, Netanyahu stated that Israel had destroyed the entire Iranian fleet in the Caspian Sea and confirmed that Israel had acted independently against Iranian gas-related infrastructure targets. He added that future strikes are currently paused at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump.
He emphasized that Iran continues attempts to strike Israel, resulting in casualties and damage, while accusing Tehran of attempting to blackmail the international community by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu stated that such efforts would fail, adding that Israel is contributing to broader efforts to keep the strategic waterway open.
On global positioning, Netanyahu asserted that Israel has evolved into a global power in certain areas and stressed the importance of developing alternative energy routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, including potential pipelines through the Arabian Peninsula to Israeli ports.
Discussing the trajectory of the conflict, Netanyahu expressed confidence that the war could end sooner than expected but acknowledged uncertainty regarding internal developments in Iran, noting that the regime could survive despite visible “cracks.”
He also commented on internal Iranian dynamics, stating that Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly and questioning who is currently leading the country.
Regarding U.S. involvement, Netanyahu rejected claims that Israel dragged Washington into the conflict, saying, “Does anyone really think someone can tell Trump what to do?” He further emphasized strong coordination with the United States, describing Trump as “the leader” and himself as “his ally,” while also asserting that America is not fighting on Israel’s behalf.
On broader geopolitical implications, Netanyahu noted that revolutions cannot be achieved solely through air power, hinting at potential ground components without providing further details.
He also referenced Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi as “a force for good,” while warning against replacing one authoritarian system with another, stating, “You don’t want to replace Hitler with Himmler.”
Addressing economic concerns, Netanyahu expressed confidence that the United States would ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a reduction in global oil prices.
When questioned about the possibility of continuing the war without U.S. support, Netanyahu declined to answer directly.
In closing remarks, he stated, “I misled no one,” reinforcing his position on the handling of the conflict and strategic decisions.
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