Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran’s conflict with Israel is still ongoing and warned that Tehran’s nuclear program continues to remain a major concern. Netanyahu also claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and believed to be hiding in a secret bunker after taking power following the reported death of Ali Khamenei during a US-Israeli airstrike. Netanyahu said Iran still possesses enriched uranium and nuclear facilities that must be dismantled before the conflict can truly end.
Is Mojtaba Khamenei alive?
Answering questions about Iran’s new leadership, Netanyahu said he believes Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but possibly isolated in a hidden location. According to Netanyahu, Mojtaba is attempting to establish authority inside Iran, though he may not have the same level of control or influence that Ali Khamenei held for years. Netanyahu suggested that the situation inside Iran remains unstable as political uncertainty continues after the recent escalation in the Middle East crisis.
The Israeli leader also admitted that neither Israel nor the United States fully expected the level of pressure Iran could create through its influence over the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, and disruptions there have increased global concerns over energy supplies and regional stability.
Why does Netanyahu say the war is not finished?
Netanyahu said the war cannot be considered over until Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is removed and all nuclear enrichment sites are dismantled. He stated that Israel and its allies have damaged parts of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, missile production systems, and proxy networks, but warned that significant capabilities still remain.
He added that a diplomatic agreement would be the preferred solution for removing Iran’s uranium stockpiles. Netanyahu said international cooperation could physically remove the nuclear material if an agreement is reached, describing that option as the best path forward.
What is happening in the US-Iran peace talks?
Tensions also continue around negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Reports indicate that the United States rejected Iran’s latest proposal aimed at ending the conflict. The proposal reportedly included demands linked to sanctions relief, reopening maritime trade routes, and delaying negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program until a ceasefire is established. The disagreement has raised fears that fresh conflict could erupt if diplomatic efforts fail.
