Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Mar 20: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday claimed that Iran no longer has the ability to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles, following nearly three weeks of coordinated air strikes involving Israel and the United States.

“Iran can no longer enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles… we are winning, and Iran is being decimated,” Netanyahu said while addressing foreign media. However, he did not provide evidence to substantiate the assertion regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

He stated that ongoing strikes are targeting facilities involved in producing missile components and nuclear-related infrastructure. According to him, Iran’s missile and drone arsenal is being “massively degraded” and would be eliminated.

Netanyahu rejected claims that Israel had drawn Washington into the conflict, saying Donald Trump makes independent decisions. “Does anyone really think someone can tell President Trump what to do?” he remarked, adding that both countries are acting in close coordination.

He described the US-Israel partnership as highly effective, stating that military and intelligence cooperation is helping achieve objectives at “lightning speed.”

Opening his remarks with a light comment on speculation about his health, Netanyahu said, “I’m alive,” before praising ties with Washington. He asserted that the joint efforts are not only protecting the Middle East but also contributing to global security, and said the world owes a “debt” to Trump.

Netanyahu said Israel independently carried out a strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field but is pausing further attacks on major gas infrastructure following a request from Trump.
“Fact number one, Israel acted alone… Fact number two, President Trump asked us to hold off… and we’re holding off,” he said.

Indicating a possible escalation, Netanyahu said ground operations remain an option, though he did not elaborate. He also pointed to signs of internal strain within Iran’s leadership.

“I’m not sure who is running Iran right now… there is a lot of tension,” he said, adding that while Israel is creating conditions for potential regime collapse, its outcome remains uncertain.

Despite intensifying hostilities, Netanyahu said it is too early to predict whether the situation could trigger a public uprising in Iran, noting that such a development would depend on the Iranian people themselves.