Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and produce ballistic missiles on the twentieth day of the current conflict. During a press conference, he emphasized that allied forces have critically undermined Tehran’s defense and nuclear capabilities.
Netanyahu stated, “Iran currently lacks the capacity to enrich uranium and is unable to produce ballistic missiles. We will completely eliminate all these capabilities.” He outlined three primary objectives for Israel in this war: the total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program, the dismantling of its ballistic missile program, and the establishment of conditions that would enable Iranian citizens to take control of their future and change their government.
These comments come amid speculation regarding potential differences between the United States and Israel concerning future military strategies. At the beginning of his address, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the Israeli populace for their resilience during the conflict.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt indicated that Operation “Epic Fury” has four clearly defined goals. The first is the complete destruction of Iran’s capabilities to produce and utilize ballistic missiles. The second aims to eliminate the Iranian naval fleet. The third objective is to neutralize terrorist groups supported by Tehran to prevent them from destabilizing the Middle East. The fourth goal is to ensure that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons.
Recent developments include reports from Iranian media on March 18, indicating that the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes on Iran’s largest gas field, South Pars, and other infrastructure in the Assaluyeh area, halting production at two oil refineries with a combined capacity of approximately 100 million cubic meters per day.
On the night of March 18 and 19, Iran launched a series of ballistic missile strikes on one of the world’s largest gas complexes in Qatar, the Ras Laffan industrial city, causing significant damage to the facility’s infrastructure.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the strike on the South Pars gas field was carried out by Israel in response to events in the Middle East. He warned that if Tehran attacks Qatari liquefied natural gas facilities again, the United States would respond with a massive strike on Iran’s gas infrastructure at South Pars.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi remarked that the United States has allowed itself to be drawn into a war against Iran that does not align with its national interests and from which neither Washington nor Israel can emerge victorious.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims significant damage to Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities amid ongoing military operations. The U.S. and Israel outline their strategic objectives, emphasizing the destruction of Iran's military capabilities and the prevention of nuclear armament.