STORY: :: Netanyahu said Israel is 'very, very close' to completing its goals in Iran
:: June 22, 2025
:: Unknown location
:: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
"There is no doubt that this is a regime that wants to eliminate us, to erase our existence. That is why we launched this operation: to remove the two existential threats--nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. We are progressing step by step toward achieving these goals, and we are very, very close to completing them. // Regarding Fordow, I believe we must take our hats off to our great friend, my close friend, President Trump, for the excellent work done by the U.S. military and the U.S. Air Force. We commend their achievement. They caused a very serious blow there--a very significant one. We will, of course, assess everything. In any case, we will ensure there is no threat from these nuclear facilities. We will do whatever is necessary to achieve the goals we set--and we will achieve them all."
Netanyahu promised not to let Israel be dragged into a war of attrition but also said he would not end the Iran campaign prematurely.
He said Iran's Fordow nuclear site had been very badly damaged by U.S. bunker-buster bombs overnight but the extent of damage remained to be seen. Tehran has vowed to defend itself at all costs.
Israel launched its offensive against Iran with a surprise attack on June 13.
Iranian authorities say over 400 people have been killed since Israel's attacks began, mostly civilians. In Israel, at least 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian retaliatory missiles and drone strikes, according to local authorities.
