Netanyahu Says Israel, US ‘Winning’ Iran War, Claims Tehran ‘Decimated’

Netanyahu Says Israel, US ‘Winning’ Iran War, Claims Tehran ‘Decimated’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel and the United States are “winning” the ongoing war against Iran, claiming the Islamic republic has been “decimated” and stripped of key military and nuclear capabilities.

Speaking during an English-language press conference, Netanyahu said joint military operations with the United States under President Donald Trump have inflicted significant damage on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, asserting that Tehran can no longer enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles.

“We are winning, and Iran is being decimated,” Netanyahu said, describing the nearly three-week conflict as a strategic success for Israel and its allies.

He added that Israeli forces are systematically targeting industries linked to missile production and military development, in a campaign aimed at dismantling Iran’s long-term offensive capabilities.

Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had acted independently in striking the South Pars gas field — one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves — despite earlier indications of close coordination with Washington. However, he acknowledged that President Trump had since urged Israel to “hold off” on further attacks on energy infrastructure, a request Israel has agreed to honour.

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“President Trump asked us to hold off on future attacks, and we are complying,” Netanyahu said.

Trump, speaking earlier at the Oval Office, had warned against further escalation targeting critical energy assets, signalling concerns about the global economic fallout of such strikes.

Addressing criticism that Israel may have drawn the United States deeper into the conflict, Netanyahu dismissed the claim, insisting that Washington acted independently and decisively.

“Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? He didn’t need any convincing,” he said.

He described the relationship between both leaders as highly coordinated but emphasised that Trump remains the dominant figure in the alliance.

“I don’t think any two leaders have been as coordinated as President Trump and I. He’s the leader. I’m his ally.”

Netanyahu also suggested that the war has triggered internal instability within Iran’s leadership, pointing to alleged divisions among political and military elites. He referenced uncertainty surrounding succession within Iran’s leadership, including reports involving Mojtaba Khamenei, believed to be a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“We’re seeing cracks, and we’re trying to widen them as quickly as possible,” Netanyahu said, indicating that Israel aims to exploit internal tensions as part of its broader strategy.

The conflict has severely disrupted global energy markets, particularly following Iran’s reported actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and gas supplies. Netanyahu described Iran’s actions as “blackmail”, insisting they would not succeed in pressuring Israel or its allies. Rising tensions in the region have contributed to increased oil and gas prices, with markets reacting to fears of prolonged disruption in supply chains.

Despite ongoing hostilities, Netanyahu expressed optimism that the conflict could end sooner than expected, while cautioning that military operations are not yet complete.

“There’s still more work to do, and we’re going to do it,” he said, adding, “I also see this war ending much faster than people think.”

While Israeli officials project confidence, international analysts remain cautious, noting that independent verification of claims regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities remains limited. The situation continues to evolve, with concerns that further escalation could draw additional countries into the conflict and deepen instability across the Middle East.

Netanyahu Says Israel, US ‘Winning’ Iran War, Claims Tehran ‘Decimated’