Netanyahu: Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities ‘neutralized’ as US-Israeli campaign intensifies

By emmitt barryWorthy News Washington DC Bureau Chief

(Qualified News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles after nearly three weeks of coordinated US-Israeli air strikes, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

Speaking during a televised press conference on the 20th day of the war, Netanyahu said the joint military operation, launched after failed nuclear talks on February 28, had caused unprecedented damage to Iran’s military capabilities and industrial infrastructure. He stressed that the sustained attacks have gone beyond surface-level targets and are now destroying the fundamental systems behind Iran’s weapons programs.

“I can tell you that Iran no longer has the ability to enrich uranium and it no longer has the ability to produce ballistic missiles,” Netanyahu said. However, he did not provide any direct evidence to prove the claim. He said with confidence, “We are winning, and Iran is being destroyed,” emphasizing that Israeli and US forces are now targeting the industrial backbone of Iran’s missile production and nuclear development efforts.

Despite the intensity of the campaign, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would refrain from further attacks on Iran’s vast South Pars natural gas field at the request of US President Donald Trump. Earlier attacks on energy infrastructure had raised concerns in global markets, raising concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies around the world. The decision to halt attacks on the gas field underscores the close coordination between Washington and Jerusalem, as both countries seek to balance decisive military action with macroeconomic stability.

Netanyahu also underlined what he described as sweeping battlefield gains. He said hundreds of Iranian missile launchers had been destroyed, while stockpiles of drones and missiles were being systematically destroyed. According to their assessment, Iran’s air defenses have become largely ineffective, significant portions of its navy—including assets in the Caspian Sea—have been destroyed, and its air force has been severely weakened. He further claimed that Iran’s command-and-control systems are now in “complete chaos”, limiting the regime’s ability to respond effectively.

In addition to targeting infrastructure, Israeli operations have reportedly eliminated key figures in Iran’s military leadership, including senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary force. Netanyahu suggested that these developments were increasing pressure on the Iranian regime at both the strategic and operational levels.

The prime minister said the joint operation, known as “Operation Rising Lion,” is guided by three central objectives: eliminating Iran’s nuclear weapons capability, eliminating its ballistic missile threat, and creating conditions that allow the Iranian people to determine their own future. He praised the partnership with the United States, saying, “America and Israel are working together with great determination and unprecedented strength,” and rejected suggestions that Israel had drawn Washington into the conflict. “Does anyone really think anyone can tell President Trump what to do?” He added.

The conflict has already caused significant regional impacts. Iran has responded with missile attacks against Israel and several Gulf states, while also attempting to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Netanyahu described the regime as a broader global threat and warned that Iran’s ambitions extend beyond the immediate region. “This regime is not just attacking Israel and the US – it is attacking the entire Middle East and beyond,” he said, warning that a nuclear-armed Iran would threaten major cities in Europe and North America.

While the campaign has so far relied primarily on air power, Netanyahu indicated that additional phases could also include ground operations. “There must also be a ground component,” he said, without elaborating on specific plans. He also acknowledged that it remains uncertain whether continued military pressure will lead to widespread unrest within Iran, though he reiterated Israel’s long-term vision of enabling the Iranian people to regain control over their own future.

As the war entered a decisive phase, Netanyahu refused to give any timeline for its end. “It will take as long as necessary,” he said, indicating that both Israel and its allies are prepared for a longer campaign if necessary.

lift it up in prayer

7

People are praying right now.

latest lol news