Israel claims elimination of Iran’s nuclear, missile threats; Netanyahu thanks Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel had achieved all its military objectives in a wide-ranging operation against Iran, claiming the elimination of both Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, and thanked Trump for his support.

In a statement issued by the Israeli government, Netanyahu said that attacks on Iran had successfully neutralized what he called a “dual immediate existential threat” to Israel.

According to the statement, the Israeli military have gained full air control over Tehran’s skies, inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military leadership, and struck dozens of government targets in and around the Iranian capital.

The attacks, the statement said, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Basij operatives,identified by Israel as part of Iran’s internal security apparatus, as well as the killing of several Iranian nuclear scientists.

Israel did not provide independent evidence to support the scale of the alleged damage.

The Israeli government said the operation was carried out in coordination with Trump and concluded with a mutual ceasefire agreement, proposed by the US president. Israel said it would enforce the ceasefire strictly and warned of a forceful response to any violation.

“Israel thanks President Trump and the United States for their support in defense and their participation in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat,” the statement read.

Netanyahu is expected to deliver a formal address later in the day.