• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Iran has been weakened by recent Israeli operations, but cautioned that the campaign is not yet complete.
  • The statement comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing military pressure, with analysts noting that Iran's nuclear and missile programs have been degraded but not dismantled.
  • International reactions remain divided, with the US expressing support while Russia and China call for restraint.

Netanyahu: 'They Are Weakened, but It’s Not Over'

In a televised address on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a stark assessment of the ongoing confrontation with Iran. "It’s not over in Iran, but they are weakened," he said, citing a series of recent strikes that have targeted key military and nuclear infrastructure. The remarks, made during a security cabinet meeting, signal that Israel intends to maintain pressure on Tehran despite growing calls for de-escalation.

The Prime Minister did not specify which operations he was referring to, but officials familiar with the matter confirmed that Israeli forces have conducted at least three covert missions inside Iran over the past month, targeting missile production facilities and centrifuge research labs. According to a person briefed on the operations, the strikes have "significantly set back" Iran's ability to enrich uranium, though no facilities were completely destroyed.

Iran responded by launching a series of drone and missile tests in the Persian Gulf, and its Foreign Ministry condemned what it called "acts of aggression" by Israel. However, Iranian leaders have so far avoided a direct military confrontation, instead relying on proxies in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen to carry out retaliatory attacks.

A Deliberate Strategy of Attrition

Netanyahu’s comments reflect a deliberate approach of gradual, calibrated pressure rather than an all-out war. "The goal is to weaken Iran's capabilities without triggering a regional war," said a former Israeli defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official added that Israel's strategy relies on a combination of precision strikes, cyberattacks, and economic sanctions coordinated with the United States.

Efforts to build an international coalition have hit a snag, however. While the US has provided intelligence support and greenlit some operations, European allies remain hesitant. France and Germany have separately urged restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the entire Middle East. Russia and China have also called for an immediate ceasefire, though their influence on Iran is limited.

Meanwhile, the economic toll of the conflict is mounting. Oil prices spiked 3% on Thursday following news of an attack on a major Iranian petrochemical facility, which market analysts say could disrupt global supply chains if strikes continue. Inside Iran, the rial has hit a new low against the dollar, and inflation is running at over 40%, fueling public discontent. Protests have erupted in several cities, though they remain small and dispersed.

What Comes Next?

For now, Netanyahu appears resolute. "We will continue to act as necessary to protect Israel's security," he told reporters after the cabinet meeting. But without a broader diplomatic deal or a regime change in Tehran, the campaign risks becoming a protracted conflict with no clear end. The Prime Minister’s office declined to comment on whether Israel is preparing for a larger-scale operation, but a military spokesperson said troops remain on high alert.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of recent covert operations inside Iran. The correct number is three, not four.