Netanyahu Claims Iran Decimated as Israel Considers Ground Invasion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Operation Rising Lion has succeeded in neutralizing Iran's ability to enrich uranium and produce ballistic missiles. After approximately 20 days of conflict that began on February 28, 2026, Netanyahu stated that the Iranian regime is being decimated and that its air defenses, navy, and air force have been dismantled. He credited the visionary leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump for the coordinated effort to remove existential threats.

While air operations have targeted industrial bases and resulted in the assassinations of senior officials in Tehran—including Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib and National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani—Netanyahu signaled a potential shift in strategy. He argued that meaningful regime change would require a ground component, as air strikes alone cannot fully transform the situation in Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump defended the decision to maintain secrecy regarding the strikes to ensure surprise. However, internal assessments vary on the extent of the damage. While Trump and Netanyahu claimed the missile threat was functionally destroyed or massively degraded, U.S. General Dan Caine noted that Iran retains some capabilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied any stockpile depletion, asserting that missile production continues during war conditions.

Regional instability persists as Iranian forces continue to strike energy facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. This has caused volatility in global energy markets and prompted European leaders in Brussels to call for maximum restraint regarding strikes on water and energy infrastructure.