Jerusalem: In a pointed address amid a fragile US-brokered ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that Israel’s campaign against Iran is far from over.
“Until this moment, we still have goals to achieve and we will achieve them, either through an agreement or by renewing the fighting,” he declared firmly on Wednesday night.
Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s support for the truce efforts initiated by US President Donald Trump but stressed core objectives remain unmet. He claimed Israeli strikes largely destroyed Iran’s missile production capacity, forcing Tehran to rely on old stockpiles for recent attacks. He insisted Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles must be removed by diplomatic means or force and that the threat posed by Tehran’s military and clerical establishment must be neutralised completely.
The remarks come days after intense US-Israeli operations targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, reportedly eliminating several senior figures. While a ceasefire has taken hold, Netanyahu described it as temporary, signalling Israel’s readiness to resume operations if necessary.
Iran has hit back sharply. Officials warned that any fresh Israeli aggression would invite a “regrettable response,” hinting at possible retaliation that could escalate tensions once again.
The standoff highlights the precarious nature of the latest West Asian truce. Analysts caution that Netanyahu’s unyielding position could unravel the fragile calm, affecting regional stability, global oil supplies, and international security.
At the moment, the world waits to see whether diplomacy or renewed conflict will decide the outcome.