Netanyahu holds first press conference since war began

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has become “stronger than ever” as it continues its war with Iran alongside the United States, according to Al Jazeera.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (March 12), Netanyahu claimed Israeli strikes killed several of Iran’s top nuclear scientists and caused major damage to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij forces.

“Iran is no longer the same Iran,” he said. Netanyahu added that the attacks, which began on February 28, have disrupted Iran’s efforts to move its nuclear and ballistic missile programs underground.

When asked about Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, Netanyahu said he did not want to “threaten their lives.”

He also described Khamenei as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guard,” claiming the leader has not appeared in public recently and that a recent statement attributed to him was read by a news presenter on state television.

Referring to anti-government protests in Iran, including demonstrations earlier this year, Netanyahu said Israel supports the Iranian people.

“We are with you,” he said, adding, “Ultimately, the decision is yours. Everything is in your hands.”

Netanyahu also said the ongoing conflict could open the door to new alliances for Israel in the Middle East.

“This was not possible before, but now we are trying our best,” he said.

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly launched drone and missile attacks targeting several Gulf countries. The attacks have forced some oil terminals to suspend operations, raising fresh concerns about regional security and global energy supplies.