Netanyahu: Joint US-Israel operation to reshape Iran's future

2026-02-28 - 11:12

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Saturday that the coordinated military campaign launched with the United States against Iran aims to fundamentally alter the country's political future. In a video statement, Netanyahu characterized the Tehran government as a "murderous terror regime" and argued that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons serves the interests of "all of humanity." The prime minister framed the operation as removing a primary threat to regional stability and Israeli security. Appeal to Iranian ethnic groups In a significant rhetorical move, Netanyahu directly addressed Iran's diverse ethnic communities, calling on Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch and Ahwazi to rise against the central government. "Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands," he stated, urging them to throw off "the yoke of tyranny" and work toward establishing a "free and peace-loving Iran." The appeal appears designed to encourage internal unrest alongside the external military pressure being applied by US and Israeli forces. Scope of military campaign Netanyahu emphasized that the current operation, which Israel has codenamed 'Lion's Roar,' represents a significant escalation compared to previous engagements with Iran. The campaign began early Saturday with Israel declaring a "special and immediate" state of emergency nationwide. US President Donald Trump later confirmed American participation, announcing "major combat operations" targeting what he described as the "Iranian regime." The coordinated action follows last June's US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Israel-Iran war. Diplomatic efforts sidelined The military escalation comes despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including Omani-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran's nuclear program. The most recent round of negotiations concluded in Geneva on Thursday, just days before hostilities resumed. The timing suggests that diplomatic channels have been effectively abandoned in favor of military confrontation. As the situation develops, regional powers including Türkiye are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving crisis, concerned about the implications for security and stability across the Middle East should the conflict expand further.