Israeli PM declares strong stand against Iranian aggression

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his country’s steadfast stance alongside the United States in confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its actions in the Middle East.

This statement came following a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, which Netanyahu described as a "very productive discussion," with a key focus on Iran, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran," Netanyahu said. "We agreed that the ayatollahs must not have nuclear weapons and also agreed that Iran's aggression in the region must be rolled back."

Rubio emphasized the destabilizing role Iran plays in the region, stating, "Behind every terrorist group, behind every act of violence, behind every destabilizing activity, behind everything that threatens peace and stability for the millions of people that call this region home is Iran."

Netanyahu outlined Israel's recent military actions against Iranian-backed groups in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. He praised Israel’s actions over the past 16 months, describing them as a "mighty blow" to Iran. He noted, with support from President Donald Trump, that Israel had succeeded in weakening Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and striking numerous targets in Syria to prevent a potential Iranian-backed front from opening against Israel.

"Now, if any other force believes that Israel will permit other hostile forces to use Syria as a base of operations against us, they are gravely mistaken," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also expressed gratitude for Rubio’s unwavering support for Israel’s policy in Gaza, particularly regarding the fragile ceasefire in place between Israel and Hamas militants. He emphasized the cooperation between Israel and the US under President Trump, stating, "I want to assure everyone who's now listening to us, President Trump and I are working in full cooperation and coordination between us."

Rubio further underscored the importance of dismantling Hamas, saying, "Hamas cannot continue as a military or government force and as long as it stands as a force that can govern or administer or a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible."

By Vafa Guliyeva