Netanyahu says Iran has lost ability to enrich uranium

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had largely lost its ability to enrich uranium and produce ballistic missiles following about 20 days of US–Israeli air strikes. He added that Iran’s missile and drone arsenal had been severely weakened and that the destruction of production facilities was under way.

He did not provide specific evidence for the claims.

The conflict escalated after talks collapsed, with US–Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February. Tehran responded with missile strikes and restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether the Iranian population would turn against the regime. He also raised the possibility of a ground operation, but gave no details.

He rejected claims that Israel would draw the US into the conflict, stressing the autonomy of President Donald Trump’s decision-making.

(reuters, pir)