Iranian regime ‘must not be armed with nuclear weapons- Netanyahu

Melbourne, February 28: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the Iranian regime must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, announcing that Israel and the United States have launched a joint operation to remove what he described as an existential threat.

In a statement released at 19:21, Netanyahu said, “A short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.”

He thanked US President Donald Trump for his “historic leadership”, alleging that for 47 years the Ayatollah regime had called for the destruction of Israel and America, shed Israeli and American blood, and oppressed its own people.

“This murderous terrorist regime must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity,” Netanyahu said. He added that the joint action would create conditions for “the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands”.

Calling on various ethnic groups in Iran, including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baluchis and Ahwazis, he urged them to “throw off the yoke of tyranny” and work towards a free and peaceful Iran.

Addressing Israeli citizens, Netanyahu asked them to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command, warning that the coming days under “Operation The Roar of the Lion” would require endurance and fortitude. “Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel,” he said.

Earlier, at 19:15, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iran had launched retaliatory missile strikes towards Israel.

In its full statement, the IDF said sirens had been sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles fired from Iran. The public was urged to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions.

The Israeli Air Force is currently operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary, the military said. However, it cautioned that “the defence is not hermetic”, stressing the importance of continued adherence to safety guidelines.