Israeli PM talks with US, Russian leaders, gains backing on Iran’s threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held talks with the leaders of the US and Russia, who expressed understanding of Israel’s need to defend itself against the threat of annihilation posed by Iran.

“The leaders showed understanding toward Israel’s need to defend itself against the Iranian annihilation threat,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.  

In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched a strike against Iran, citing growing concerns over its nuclear programme. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to produce several nuclear bombs within days, calling the situation an “imminent threat” that required immediate action.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike as a preemptive move, warning that it may be followed by retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and its civilian population in the near future. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would not halt its military campaign until it inflicts significant damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production facilities, and broader military capabilities. Meanwhile,

US President Donald Trump - who had previously threatened Iran with bombing if it refused to negotiate a nuclear deal - commented on June 13 that Iran still has “a second chance” to strike an agreement. He clarified that US forces were not involved in Israel’s operation and emphasized that the strike did not come as a surprise to Washington. Russia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of choosing escalation and “raising the stakes.” The ministry urged all sides to avoid a full-scale war in the region and stressed that any solution to Iran’s nuclear programme must be found through diplomatic means.

By Naila Huseynova