Netanyahu Vows to Prevent Iran Nuclear Weapons

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Thursday evening that Iran is once again attempting to acquire nuclear weapons. In a video message, Netanyahu affirmed U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran is pursuing nuclear armament, adding that after Israel destroyed Iran's direct nuclear bomb-making capability, "it is trying again." Speaking from the Western Wall, ahead of the Jewish New Year, Netanyahu pledged, "As long as I am Prime Minister, Iran will not possess nuclear weapons." He also detailed ongoing Israeli strikes against the "Iranian axis," citing the destruction of a training facility in the Shqif area of Lebanon and current operations targeting the Ali Taher training hill, with more actions to come.

Trump, speaking Wednesday night, warned Tehran against recklessness, suggesting the U.S. might strike "Mount Beaver" in Iran. He advised Iran seriously, stating the U.S. would have to hit it "very hard." Mount Beaver is located near Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility, a fortified site with deeply buried tunnel complexes. Trump has threatened strikes on this location since at least mid-July. He believes the conflict will end after the midterm elections, suggesting Tehran is trying to influence the U.S. elections.

Mount Beaver is situated 220 kilometers south of Tehran and two kilometers from the Natanz complex. The Natanz site, housing two uranium enrichment facilities, was reportedly damaged in March as part of U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran. Israel also reportedly struck Natanz during a 12-day conflict with Iran last year. According to the Institute for Science and International Security, a U.S. research center focused on nuclear non-proliferation, the tunnel facility being built at Mount Beaver was not targeted in either of these prior conflicts.