Netanyahu: Iran trying to rebuild missile program

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran is attempting to rebuild its missile program and called on Tehran to refrain from escalating tensions with Israel.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu was asked if Iran is rebuilding its missile program. "They are trying," he replied, "they are trying to rebuild their missile production facilities."

Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Netanyahu said U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that "the Fordow facility was destroyed and they are trying another site. Iran needs to accept the fact that it will not enrich uranium."

When asked about the chances of a strike on Iran, Netanyahu said, "Iran is conducting tests to launch missiles at Israel. I hope they don't make that mistake. We are not looking for escalation. I hope they aren't either."

Israel and Iran engaged in direct military clashes in 2025, culminating in a short but intense conflict that badly strained regional security and drew in the United States.

Hostilities began on June 13 when Israel launched large‑scale air strikes against more than 100 Iranian military and nuclear targets, including the Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan nuclear facilities, aiming to halt what it said was Tehran’s advance toward a nuclear weapons capability.

The attacks inflicted “very significant” damage on enrichment infrastructure and above‑ground plants, though deeply buried centrifuges at some sites may have survived, according to international assessments. 

Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drone barrages targeting Israel. Missile launches hit civilian areas and research centres, prompting Israeli air defences to intercept most threats. 

In late June, U.S. forces joined the campaign in Operation Midnight Hammer, striking the three main nuclear sites with heavy ordnance. Washington said the actions dealt “severe damage” to Iran’s enrichment capabilities and set back the programme by years. Tehran disputed the scale of destruction but acknowledged significant harm. 

A ceasefire was reached by June 24 after about 12 days of fighting. Both sides claimed strategic gains, though analysts say neither achieved full objectives, and the conflict heightened fears of renewed escalation. International calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement have increased as Tehran weighs its nuclear ambitions and Israel remains on alert.

By Aghakazim Guliyev