Netanyahu asserts Israel’s strikes on Iran cripple missile capabilities

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli airstrikes over the weekend damaged Iran’s missile production and defense capabilities, affirming its success in achieving its goals.

"The air force attacked throughout Iran. We hit hard Iran's defense capabilities and its ability to produce missiles that are aimed at us," Netanyahu said in a speech on Sunday.

"The attack in Iran was precise and powerful, and it achieved all its objectives," he added. Emphasizing that Israel’s war is not against the Iranian people, but with the Islamic Republic.

Following Netanyahu’s announcement, Iranian media reported the official death toll from Israel's operation had risen to five, with Allahverdi Rahimpour, identified by state-run Mehr News as a civilian, confirmed as the latest casualty.

Contradicting this, Sabereen News, associated with the IRGC, reported Rahimpour worked as a security guard for a contracting company. Earlier casualties were all identified as members of Iran’s traditional military - as distinct from the IRGC - two of them working for missile production units. However, the Revolutionary Guard have been silent about their potential casualties.

The Israeli air force conducted the strikes across various Iranian sites early on Saturday, with Netanyahu explaining that the operation’s purpose was to prevent Iran from advancing missile technology aimed at Israel.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who briefed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the results of Israel's action, shared initial assessments of the operation’s success in targeting missile manufacturing facilities, aerial capabilities, and surface-to-air missile arrays.

"Minister Gallant also discussed the strategic opportunities that have risen as a result of operational achievements, in both the northern and southern arenas," added a statement by Gallant’s office on Sunday.

In response, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran would “defend the Iranian nation's rights and give an appropriate response to Israel's aggression.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Israel's actions in a letter to the United Nations Security Council, describing the strikes as a significant threat to international stability and calling for a Security Council meeting. Diplomats confirmed that the UNSC is expected to discuss the situation on Monday, according to Reuters.

At the UN, Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed Iran’s complaint, calling it an attempt to divert attention from Israel’s right to self-defense. "As we have stated time and time again, we have the right and duty to defend ourselves and will use all the means at our disposal to protect the citizens of Israel," Danon said in a statement.

Israel's Saturday airstrikes on Iran dismantled air-defense systems protecting key infrastructure, including major oil and petrochemical refineries, a large gas field, and a significant southern port, according to reports from three Iranian and three senior Israeli defense officials cited by The New York Times on Sunday.

Targets included air defenses at the Bandar Imam Khomeini petrochemical complex in Khuzestan Province, the adjoining Bandar Imam Khomeini economic port, and the Abadan oil refinery. Additional systems were reportedly struck in Ilam Province, covering the Tange Bijar gas field refinery, the officials stated.

Before Netanyahu’s declaration of success, some Iranian politicians pledged retaliation and called for UN intervention. As both nations exchange diplomatic and military signals, the UN Security Council prepares for an emergency session to address the unfolding crisis. However Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a speech on Sunday avoided calling for retaliation, saying the government will study the situation and do what is best for the country.