Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel and the United States are “winning” the ongoing conflict with Iran, claiming the Islamic Republic’s military and nuclear capabilities have been significantly weakened.
Speaking during an English-language press conference on Thursday, Netanyahu said Iran had been “decimated” and no longer possessed the capacity to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles.
Claims of Strategic Gains
Netanyahu portrayed the nearly three-week conflict as a success, stating that Israeli operations have targeted critical infrastructure linked to Iran’s missile production and nuclear programme.
“We are taking action to destroy the industries that make it possible to build missiles… Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles,” he said.
He also suggested that internal divisions within Iran’s leadership are emerging, adding that Israel is working to exploit those fractures.
Coordination with Washington
Netanyahu emphasized close coordination with Donald Trump, while rejecting claims that he had pressured Washington into joining the conflict.
“Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? He didn’t need any convincing,” Netanyahu said, describing the US president as the leading figure in the alliance.
The Israeli leader confirmed that Trump had requested Israel to refrain from further strikes on sensitive energy infrastructure, including Iran’s major gas facilities.
Energy Markets and Strategic Restraint
The conflict has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets, particularly following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field.
Netanyahu acknowledged the US request to pause such attacks, stating:
“President Trump asked us to hold off on future attacks and we’re holding off.”
He also criticised Iran’s reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as “blackmail” that would not succeed, even as the move contributed to rising global oil prices.
Conflict Far From Over
Despite signalling progress, Netanyahu indicated that military operations would continue.
“There’s still more work to do, and we’re going to do it,” he said.
Both Netanyahu and Trump have previously expressed hope that internal unrest could lead to political change in Tehran, though the Israeli leader acknowledged that such outcomes cannot be achieved through air campaigns alone.
Outlook
Netanyahu suggested the conflict could conclude sooner than expected, even as regional tensions remain high and the broader geopolitical and economic implications continue to unfold.
The evolving situation is being closely watched globally, particularly for its potential impact on energy supply, regional stability, and international security dynamics.
