‘Eliminate Double Existential Threat’: Israel's Foreign Minister On Attacking Iran | Exclusive

Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 20:37 IST

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar asserted that there are no negotiations with the Iranian regime and Israel is focussed on dismantling Tehran’s elimination plan.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Israel cannot and will not accept the threat of extermination. (File)

Israel said that it has launched aerial strikes on Iran targeting nuclear and military infrastructure to eliminate a double existential threat. While speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes are posing a significant threat to Israel.

He said that Iran has a strategic plan to eliminate Israel, and Israel cannot and will not accept the threat of extermination.

“We came very close to Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon — we cannot allow that to happen. This is a country that has publicly declared its intent to eliminate Israel," Sa’ar said.

The Israeli minister further said that the Netanyahu government took a last-minute decision to pound missiles at Iran as Tehran was aiming to mass-produce ballistic missiles which was an unbearable threat for Tel Aviv.

Since the beginning of the fighting between the two countries since June 13, Israel’s prime goal has been to foil Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Apart from that, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, they also want to neutralise Iran’s missile production and attack capabilities.

Sa’ar further asserted that there are no negotiations with the Iranian regime and Israel is focussed on dismantling Tehran’s elimination plan, nuclear ambitions, and missile programme.

“We know what targets we want to hit. The mission will be completed when those are achieved. We have a clear plan. We do not intend to fight an open-ended war," he said.

While speaking about Israel’s military operation, Sa’ar said that while Israel is targeting the Iranian nuclear program, ballistic missiles program, and military objectives. But Iran is deliberately targeting only civilians.

“We have suffered casualties. This criminal regime is targeting civilian centres, killing children and innocent people. They are deliberately attacking civilians. The will of the Israeli people is strong. The Opposition also supports this operation," he said.

He further vowed that the Israeli people are strong and stand united behind the operation.

Israel-Iran Conflict

The Middle-East is bracing for a protracted conflict following Israel’s surprise bombardment of Iranian nuclear and military sites on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of several top generals and nuclear scientists. The conflict entered its sixth day today with both sides intensifying attacks and pounding strikes at each other.

Earlier today, the conflict intensified further after the hostilities continued. Explosions were heard in Tehran today as intense Israeli airstrikes again targeted Iran’s capital, including Tehran’s District 18 area, near the Mehrabad airport.

Loud blasts were heard and at least five columns of smoke were visible in the east and southeast regions of the Iranian capital, news agency AFP reported.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel of “dire consequences" and said that Tehran will harshly retaliate against Israel’s attacks.

In a first television address to the nation after the latest conflict, the supreme leader asserted that Tehran will not surrender or accept an imposed peace or war.

“The Zionist regime made a big mistake and will be punished for its actions. Our people will not spare the blood of their martyrs and will not stop violating their country’s airspace," he said.

He further gave a message to the United States saying that Iran will not surrender and further warned that any US strike will have serious irreparable consequences.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the air force has hit more than 1,100 Iranian assets in hundreds of strikes when it launched Operation Rising Lion on June 13.

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