ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made headlines after suggesting that targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could “end the conflict,” as hostilities between the two nations intensify.
Netanyahu Defends Military Actions, Cites Strategic Gains
Speaking during an online press conference and in an interview with a British outlet, Netanyahu reiterated that dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities remains Israel’s top strategic goal.
“We are on the path to victory,” he said, claiming that Israeli forces now maintain “complete control of Tehran’s airspace” and have successfully destroyed “hundreds of Iranian rockets and numerous missile launch pads.”
He stated firmly: “We will not allow Iran to build nuclear weapons under any circumstances. That is our red line.”
Supreme Leader a Possible Target
When questioned about reports alleging that Israel had considered assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader—a plan reportedly not endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump—Netanyahu neither confirmed nor denied the claim.
Instead, he remarked, “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” calling Iran’s leadership the driver of decades of regional unrest.
“This regime terrorizes the Middle East, bombs oil fields, spreads sabotage—it’s the source of the forever war,” Netanyahu said. “By standing up to them, we prevent a nuclear war, not provoke one.”
Coordination With the U.S.
Netanyahu revealed ongoing daily communications with President Trump, commending the American administration’s continued backing of Israeli efforts.
“Today, it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York,” he warned. “I understand ‘America First,’ but not ‘America Dead.’ These people chant ‘Death to America.’ This is a battle between good and evil. And President Trump understands that.”
Iran’s Offer of Talks Rejected
Responding to reports that Iran is open to resuming nuclear negotiations, Netanyahu dismissed the overture as a ruse.
“They lie, they cheat, they string the U.S. along,” he said. “We have solid intelligence that shows they want to keep building nuclear weapons and expanding their ballistic missile arsenal—while pretending to negotiate.”
Netanyahu likened Iran’s nuclear team to “Hitler’s nuclear team,” reinforcing his stance that no dialogue can proceed while Iran continues its military ambitions.
