Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that, following 20 days of a joint military operation with the United States against Iran, Tehran has reportedly lost its capacity to enrich uranium and produce ballistic missiles. During a press conference, he outlined three primary objectives of the Israeli campaign.
Netanyahu stated, “We will completely destroy all these capabilities,” emphasizing the intent to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. He also expressed a desire to create conditions that would enable Iranians to take control of their own future.
However, reports from The Guardian indicate growing signs of divergence between the U.S. and Israel regarding the ongoing military strategy against Iran.
Overview of the Military Operation
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on the Iranian capital, Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently declared that American forces had initiated a “major combat operation” aimed at eliminating perceived threats posed by the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, asserting that the operation’s goals included dismantling Iran’s missile industry and preventing global destabilization.
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of the military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked on the importance of allowing Iranians a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime,” aiming to guarantee safety for all nations affected by Iranian aggression.
On the same day, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC declared the initiation of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations would be even more devastating.
By March 6, Trump emphasized the need for a complete change of leadership in Iran, suggesting he had potential candidates for a “good leader.”
On March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this election, simply stating, “We will see what happens.” He had previously suggested that the new leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims significant progress in a military operation against Iran, asserting that Tehran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and produce missiles. The operation has raised concerns about diverging strategies between Israel and the U.S., alongside international calls for stability in the region.
Source: The Guardian