Israel Approaches Goals in Iran Campaign, Says Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel is edging closer to achieving its critical objectives against Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs. Highlighting a clear roadmap, Netanyahu assured that Israel is determined to complete its mission without prolonging conflict unnecessarily.
Balancing Determination and Restraint
Addressing reporters, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not extend its operations beyond what is necessary. "We won't pursue our actions beyond what is needed to achieve them, but we also won't finish too soon," he stated. He added that once Israel fulfills its goals, military operations will cease.
A Stark Warning on Iran’s Intentions
Netanyahu expressed unwavering conviction about the threat posed by Tehran, describing the regime as one intent on Israel’s destruction. "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 said, stressing the methodical progress being made toward neutralizing these dangers.
Damage at Fordow Nuclear Site and Uranium Enrichment Concerns
Referring to recent events, Netanyahu noted that Iran's Fordow nuclear facility suffered significant damage overnight due to U.S. bunker-buster bombs, though the full extent remains under assessment. Tehran has responded with strong warnings, vowing to defend itself at all costs.
On the sensitive topic of Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, Netanyahu acknowledged Israel's close monitoring. He highlighted its importance within Iran’s nuclear program, though it is not the sole or sufficient element to produce a bomb. While withholding detailed specifics, Netanyahu hinted at intelligence developments surrounding this material.
Context of Uranium Enrichment Levels
Before Israel launched its initial strikes on June 13 against key enrichment sites, Iran was refining uranium up to 60% purity—a critical threshold nearing weapons-grade (approximately 90%) and considerably surpassing the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 nuclear agreement. This agreement was maintained by Iran until the U.S. withdrew in 2018.
Looking Ahead
Netanyahu’s remarks underscore Israel’s strategic approach to confronting Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities, combining measured military action with intelligence vigilance. While the situation remains fluid, Israel’s leadership signals a readiness to see the mission through to its intended conclusion.
