Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared with finality on Friday that Iran’s dream of nuclear power was over, saying plainly that Israel had made sure of it through twenty days of intensive military operations that destroyed Tehran’s uranium enrichment and ballistic missile production capabilities. He rejected claims about Israeli manipulation of US foreign policy. Netanyahu expressed confidence throughout the press conference that the conflict was heading toward a rapid conclusion.
The prime minister addressed the Trump-Israel relationship with characteristic candor. He described their coordination as historically unprecedented and framed Trump as the alliance’s driving force. Netanyahu revealed that Trump had contributed his own independently formed understanding of Iran’s nuclear threat to their discussions, reflecting a genuine partnership of strategic equals.
Netanyahu confirmed Israel struck the South Pars gas compound alone and disclosed Trump’s personal request to pause further attacks on Iranian gas facilities. He presented both facts transparently, treating them as natural features of a close and functioning alliance. Netanyahu maintained throughout that Israel’s military autonomy remained fully intact.
On the Hormuz question, Netanyahu dismissed Iran’s closure threats as blackmail that would fail. He proposed pipeline corridors from the Arabian Peninsula to Israeli and Mediterranean ports as a lasting structural solution. Netanyahu argued this would permanently neutralize the Hormuz chokepoint and insulate global energy markets from Iranian interference.
Netanyahu concluded with analysis of Iran’s leadership vacuum. He noted Mojtaba had not appeared publicly and admitted he was genuinely unsure who was running the country. Netanyahu pointed to the fierce competition for power in Tehran and concluded that this instability, combined with military losses, was pushing the war toward an accelerated conclusion.