US Ambassador to Israel Discusses Recent Conflicts with Iran
The US ambassador to Israel expressed his astonishment over recent developments involving Iran. This comes on the heels of a series of explosions linked to Iranian-supported groups in Lebanon and Syria last year. He commented on the unpredictable nature of these events during a television appearance.
“We pulled off a lot of surprises,” he remarked in an interview with Merritt Street on a Tuesday.
The ambassador referenced a deadly incident on September 17, where an explosion at a pager used by the Hezbollah group resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including two children, and injured around 3,000 people. The following day, another explosion claimed 25 lives and over 600 injuries due to a transceiver detonation.
Amid these escalations, he mentioned that Israel was behind a particular attack where explosives in the device were detonated. US officials had indicated that Israel briefed them about the incident post-attack. However, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US had no prior knowledge and was not involved.
In a video message shared on X, the ambassador specified that Israel is not focused on altering governmental structures in Iran. He emphasized the significance of addressing the threats posed by Iran’s nuclear weapons and missile programs.
“Today, we’re actively dismantling surface-to-surface missile systems across Iran. We’ve reached a stage where a significant portion of them will be neutralized,” he noted, explaining Israel’s recent actions against a broadcasting center in Tehran, which prompted many residents to flee.
He further pointed out Iran’s attempts to incite public sentiment against potential demonstrations, making it clear that any shifts in government there are strictly for their own citizens to decide. “We are not in the business of regime change,” he reiterated, while also acknowledging questions surrounding the ongoing conflict and its implications.
Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes. Still, both the US Intelligence Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency assert that there is no evidence suggesting Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.
Concluding his statement, the ambassador reflected on the state of the Israeli economy, which remains strong and resilient, noting an upward trend in the stock market despite the ongoing tensions. He emphasized ongoing efforts to support those affected in Israel and underscored a commitment to finding solutions alongside regional neighbors.
