Netanyahu Discusses Iran’s Nuclear Capability During Press Conference
During a press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ongoing aerial campaign by Israel and the United States has significantly weakened Iran’s ability to both enrich uranium and produce ballistic missiles.
As the 20th day of the conflict unfolded, Netanyahu expressed confidence in the operations, claiming that the collaboration between U.S. and Israeli forces holds a crucial tactical advantage. He declared in Jerusalem that they are gaining the upper hand against Iran.
“We are winning, and Iran is being decimated. What we are targeting now are the factories that produce the components for missiles and nuclear weapons. Khamenei had called for the renewal of missile and nuclear efforts, planning to hide them deep underground. We are not just destroying the remaining missiles—there are very few left—but we are also dismantling the industries that support these programs. After 20 days, I can affirm that Iran can no longer enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles,” Netanyahu stated.
The current strikes commenced on February 28th, focusing primarily on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Tehran. The U.S. titled the operation “Operation Epic Fury” while Israel labeled it “Operation Roaring Lion.” Shortly after the attacks, Iran’s leader, Khamenei, was reported dead, alongside numerous officials from his regime.
On the same day, Trump shared a video urging the Iranian populace to remain sheltered as conflicts escalated, but he also encouraged them to eventually “take over” their government, suggesting it might be their sole opportunity for freedom.
Looking toward the future, Netanyahu indicated that the responsibility for national rebuilding and political choice would ultimately rest with the Iranian people, stating, “It’s up to the Iranian people to choose the moment and rise to it.”
Netanyahu also dismissed claims that he had coerced the U.S. into joining the conflict. “Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?,” he remarked.
Later, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the operation’s timing was influenced by an imminent Israeli strike, which would likely provoke a retaliation against U.S. interests. He mentioned that U.S. intelligence had predicted that Iran would respond to American forces regardless, suggesting that preemptive actions were necessary to safeguard American lives.
At the onset of the conflict, Trump outlined the military campaign’s goal: “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats.” He also expressed concerns that Iran may have been planning a significant attack on U.S. assets, reinforcing Rubio’s assessment.
In the Thursday briefing, Netanyahu reaffirmed that both he and President Trump see eye to eye on the Iranian threat and noted that many global leaders agree with his stance in private discussions.
“They acknowledge it privately; I say it publicly. The world owes gratitude to President Trump for spearheading this endeavor to secure our future,” Netanyahu remarked.
For several months, the U.S. sought a diplomatic solution through indirect mediation, while Iran consistently claimed that its uranium enrichment was for purely civilian uses. However, evidence suggested otherwise.
Standard nuclear energy requires only 3% to 5% enrichment (LEU), while medical applications need up to 20%. Iran, however, has reportedly achieved 60% purity. This level is particularly significant; reaching 60% completes the most complex portion of the enrichment process, leaving only a small technical advancement needed to reach the 90% enrichment level required for weapons-grade material.
