Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday declared that Israeli airstrikes have severely damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities, claiming they have set the programme back a “very, very long time.” His remarks come on the fourth day of intense hostilities between the two regional powers, sparked by Israel’s offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
“The regime is very weak,” Netanyahu told a news conference. He added that he is in daily touch with US President Donald Trump.
As Netanyahu addressed the media, the sound of large explosions reverberated across Tehran, underlining the ongoing escalation that has raised alarm about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
However, in a separate appearance, the US president refrained from specifying what might trigger direct American involvement. “I don’t want to talk about that,” Trump said during a G7 summit press conference alongside Canadian Prime Minister.
Instead, Trump reiterated his call for Tehran to return to the negotiating table. “They should talk, and they should talk immediately,” he said. “I’d say Iran is not winning this war.”
Amid the escalating conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared to signal a possible opening for diplomacy. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi urged Washington to step in: “If Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.” He added pointedly, “It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy.”
Talks between the US and Iran had been scheduled for last weekend but were canceled following Israel’s Thursday strikes targeting high-level Iranian military and political figures in Tehran.
(With inputs from Associated Press)