Netanyahu Issues Stark Warning to Iran's New Supreme Leader
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful warning to Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei during his first press conference since the war with Iran began. In a direct and provocative statement, Netanyahu asserted that there is "no life insurance" for leaders of the Tehran regime, while mocking Khamenei as a "puppet" of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Military Campaign Progressing Faster Than Expected
Netanyahu revealed that the joint military campaign by Israel and the United States is advancing more rapidly than anticipated and has significantly weakened Iran's capabilities. "The campaign is going better than expected," Netanyahu declared, adding that Israel today is "stronger than ever." He specifically targeted Iran's new leadership, claiming Khamenei "cannot show his face in public" due to his perceived lack of genuine authority.
When questioned about potential targeting of Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after the latter was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, Netanyahu responded cryptically: "I wouldn't issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organizations. And I don't intend to provide an exact report here about what we are planning or what we are going to do."
Defense of Military Strikes Against Iran
The Israeli leader vigorously defended the ongoing military campaign against Iran, emphasizing that the strikes were essential to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles. "If we had not acted immediately, within a few months Iran's industries of death would have become immune to any strike," Netanyahu explained.
He continued: "Therefore, we went out together to battle — the United States and Israel — to continue what we began and to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. To prevent Iran from developing ballistic missiles that threaten Israel, the United States, and the entire world. That is our objective."
Operation Details and Strategic Objectives
Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion, on February 28. The United States subsequently joined the offensive under Operation Epic Fury. According to Israeli and US officials, these coordinated operations have three primary objectives:
- Foiling Iran's nuclear ambitions
- Dismantling its missile program
- Weakening its regional proxy networks
Hints at Pressure for Regime Change in Iran
Netanyahu suggested that the military campaign could help create conditions for political transformation within Iran. "We are landing crushing blows on the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij both in the streets and at checkpoints and we are still active," he stated.
Addressing the Iranian people directly, Netanyahu offered encouragement: "The moment when you can embark on a new path of freedom, that moment is approaching. We stand by you, we are helping you. But at the end of the day, it depends on you! It is in your hands."
However, he clarified that Israel would not deploy ground forces to overthrow the Iranian government, using a metaphor: "You can lead someone to water, you cannot make him drink." Netanyahu added: "We will create optimal conditions to do this, including airstrikes as we did yesterday, as we are doing these days, to try to give them the space needed to take to the streets."
Transformed Regional Dynamics
The Israeli prime minister argued that the conflict has already altered the regional balance of power significantly. "In any case, the war has ensured that it is no longer the same Iran, it is no longer the same Middle East, and it is also not the same Israel," Netanyahu declared.
He revealed that Israel has adopted a more aggressive military doctrine during this conflict: "We do not wait. We initiate, we attack, and we do so with a force that is unprecedented." Netanyahu further hinted at future developments, stating that Israel still has "many surprises" planned in the ongoing campaign.
Strengthened Alliance with United States
Netanyahu highlighted his exceptionally close coordination with US President Donald Trump throughout the war. "We have created an alliance unlike any before with the United States, an alliance with our great friend, my personal friend, President Trump. We speak almost every day. We speak freely, exchange ideas and advice, and make decisions together," he said.
He emphasized the unprecedented nature of this relationship: "Our relationship is one hundred times stronger than any relationship that has existed between an American president and an Israeli prime minister. We are not thinking only about our countries, or only about this generation. We are thinking about future generations, about the future of humanity."
The press conference concluded with Netanyahu reiterating Israel's determination to continue the campaign until its strategic objectives are fully achieved, while maintaining pressure on Iran's leadership through both military and diplomatic means.
