The US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facility in Fordow left it with “very significant damage,” according to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but he cautioned the extent of the damage was still to be determined.
“We will examine the situation,” Netanyahu said, “and in any case, we will ensure that there is no threat from these nuclear facilities.”
Multiple massive “bunker-buster” bombs were launched at Fordow, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said at a previous news conference. The nuclear facility, located near the Iranian city of Qom, is built inside a mountain and heavily guarded.
Netanyahu said in a pre-recorded news conference with several local and international journalists there were no conditions placed on the US bombing operation, and that Israel did not have to commit to end the war in Gaza in exchange for American bombers targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“President (Donald) Trump didn’t put any conditions. This is not the nature of our relationship, I have to say,” said Netanyahu. “We speak openly. We speak as friends, genuine friends. And he’s a great leader. He makes the decisions for America.”
He added he was notified of the attack in advance. “That’s natural. Just as he knew in advance when we would act, we knew in advance when he would act,” Netanyahu said.
Asked by CNN where Iran’s stockpile of 400 kilograms of enriched uranium was, Netanyahu said Israel had what he called “interesting intel” about where it may be.
“We’ve been following that very closely,” Netanyahu said. “I can tell you that it’s an important component of a nuclear program. It’s not the sole component. It’s not a sufficient component. But it’s an important component. But we have interesting intel on that with … you’ll excuse me if I don’t share with you.”
War in Gaza: Netanyahu also said the efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza continue, stressing that Israel accepts the proposal put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
“The contacts are continuing as we speak, all the time. We’re obviously focused on Iran, but we never forget Gaza, we never forget our hostages,” he said.
“The operation in Iran is helping to achieve the goal in Gaza,” Netanyahu asserted. He said Iran can no longer support Hamas, which could hasten the militant group’s demise, comparing it to the collapse of Hezbollah.
“Once that reality sinks into the ranks of Hamas, you’re already entering the final phase of decision,” he said. “It will take a little more time, but there’s no doubt that our major achievements in Iran are also contributing to achieving our goals in Gaza.”
