Netanyahu’s big warning: Will Israel strike Iran again?

Addressing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Netanyahu indicated that the country’s objective of securing what he previously described as “total victory” remains unchanged.

Responding to questions about whether the goal had shifted, he replied, “It never ends,” adding that Israel had become stronger than ever but still had unfinished work. He also stated that Israel would continue efforts against what he described as the remaining elements of the Iranian-backed regional network.

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Israel Reaffirms Position on Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Netanyahu’s remarks come as Israel continues to oppose any international agreement that, in its assessment, allows Iran to retain the capability to develop nuclear weapons. According to reports carried by Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, Israel maintains that it reserves the right to take unilateral action if diplomatic efforts fail to eliminate concerns surrounding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The Israeli Prime Minister also reiterated that Israeli forces would remain deployed in southern Lebanon for as long as Hezbollah continues to pose a security threat. According to reports, during a visit to Israeli troops stationed in the region on Tuesday, Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw until the threat had been removed.

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The discussions, mediated by Qatar with support from regional and international partners, are focused on reducing military tensions, easing sanctions, addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and strengthening security arrangements across West Asia. The proposed framework follows months of heightened hostilities that escalated after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets earlier this year prompted retaliatory attacks from Tehran.

Draft Framework Focuses on De-escalation

According to details of the proposed memorandum, the United States and Iran have reached a preliminary understanding on a phased de-escalation process. The draft includes commitments to suspend military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, negotiate sanctions relief and establish mechanisms to monitor and address Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran has also reiterated under the framework that it will not pursue the development of nuclear weapons, while technical negotiations remain ongoing.

Israel Says It Is Not Bound by Any Future Agreement

Israel has consistently maintained that it will not consider itself bound by any agreement that, in its assessment, leaves Iran with intact military or nuclear capabilities. US President Donald Trump has urged restraint, warning that renewed military action could undermine ongoing negotiations and increase regional instability.

According to comments reported by Axios, Trump cautioned Netanyahu that another large-scale Israeli operation against Iran could leave Israel diplomatically isolated and complicate efforts to secure a final agreement between Washington and Tehran.

US officials have said the administration continues to balance its support for Israel’s security with efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict.

US Envoys Arrive in Doha

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have arrived in Doha for discussions with Qatari mediators overseeing the US-Iran negotiations.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the visit is intended to support the mediation process. However, he clarified that no meetings with Iranian officials are planned and that no direct or high-level talks between Washington and Tehran are scheduled in the coming days.