Netanyahu: Iran can no longer enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles

“Israel has never been stronger, and Iran has never been weaker,” Netanyahu declared.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the foreign press on Thursday night, outlining what he described as joint Israeli and US gains 20 days into the war against Iran and asserting that Tehran can no longer enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles.

“And already now, after 20 days, I can tell you that Iran does not have the opportunity to enrich uranium and it does not have the opportunity to create ballistic missiles,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel is “winning” alongside the United States.

He said the campaign is focused on three objectives: eliminating Iran’s nuclear program, dismantling its ballistic missile capabilities and “creating the conditions that will allow the Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.” He added that Israel is now targeting not only weapons systems but also “the industries that allow the creation of these programs.”

Netanyahu emphasized close coordination with Washington, describing ties with President Donald Trump as unprecedented. He dismissed claims that Israel had drawn the United States into the war as “ridiculous,” saying Trump makes independent decisions and that the two leaders “see eye to eye” on Iran.

The remarks followed Trump’s criticism of an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Netanyahu said Israel acted alone and that Trump later asked Israel to refrain from further such attacks.

He cited the destruction of senior Iranian command centers, missile and air defense systems, and the killing of key figures, including Ali Larijani, as part of what he called “tremendous achievements.” He said Israel has also destroyed hundreds of missiles and launchers and struck targets across multiple domains in coordination with US efforts.

Netanyahu said Iran has attacked civilians and US-linked assets across the Middle East and beyond, and he accused Tehran of attempting to blackmail the world by threatening the Strait of Hormuz.

“So today, Israel and the United States are protecting America, Israel, the entire Middle East, but I venture to say the entire world,” he said.

The prime minister acknowledged continued Iranian attacks causing casualties in Israel, but said the damage was far below what Tehran had planned. While there are signs of internal strain in Iran, it is too early to predict regime collapse, though any surviving leadership would be significantly weakened, he said.