Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are fully prepared for a third strike on Iran and are awaiting the government's green light.
Speaking to Israel's Channel 14 on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated, "So far, we have attacked Iran twice, freeing Israel from the risk of a potential nuclear attack. If necessary, there will be a third strike. We have made all necessary preparations."
The warning comes as the United States and Iran move toward finalizing a permanent ceasefire under the recently negotiated "Islamabad Deal." Netanyahu has previously asserted that Israel is not bound by any US-Iran peace agreement, signaling his intent to act independently.
Tensions over Iran’s nuclear capabilities have driven the recent regional wars. In June 2025, the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran had amassed 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium—dangerously close to the 90% weapons-grade threshold required for a nuclear bomb.
In response to the growing threat, Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" on June 13, 2025. The 12-day military campaign severely degraded Iran's nuclear infrastructure and eliminated key military commanders and scientists before US intervention halted the offensive.
Hostilities resumed on February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched a joint campaign, "Operation Roaring Lion," to further dismantle Iran's military capabilities. However, Israel's direct role in Iran was curtailed within two days, shifting the IDF's focus primarily to military operations in Lebanon.
Netanyahu's refusal to accept the Islamabad Deal has reportedly strained his relationship with Washington. US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to the Israeli Prime Minister about jeopardizing the alliance, reportedly saying, "Bibi, you better be careful what you say; otherwise, you will soon be on your own."
