'Our aim is to eliminate double existential threat': Israeli Foreign Minister amid conflict with Iran

Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel Gideon Sa’ar. (File photo/Reuters)

Amid an ongoing conflict with Iran, Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel Gideon Sa’ar on Wednesday said that their "aim is to eliminate a double existential threat".

In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Gideon Sa’ar said, "Our aim is to eliminate a double existential threat. First, the Iranian nuclear programme. 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. Second, the Iranian ballistic missile programme. They aim to mass-produce ballistic missiles. For Israel, this is an unbearable threat. We made a last-minute decision to act in order to protect ourselves.”

On Iran's nuclear capability, the Israeli Foreign Minister said, "Iran is very advanced in uranium enrichment and now possesses enough material for nine atomic bombs. They have also begun making progress in weaponisation. This is extremely risky — they are dangerously close to a critical point. When negotiations stalled and the IAEA confirmed breaches of the agreement, we acted. Perhaps we acted late, but certainly not too early.”

US Stance 

While talking to CNN-News18, he discussed about US administrations stance in the ongoing conflict. He said, "The objective of the American administration is similar — they have said clearly that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. What America decides is their choice. But Israel will do everything necessary to prevent it. We have already delayed this threat significantly. We are thankful to America for their support. Future decisions will be taken by President Trump.”

'We have suffered casualties'

Gideon Sa’ar said that amid the strikes between Iran and Israel, they have "suffered casualties as the Iran's criminal regime is targeting civilian centres, killing children and innocent people. They are deliberately attacking civilians."

He further added that Israel "is targeting military and nuclear establishments. We are taking care to minimise collateral damage".

On India-Israel relations

The Israeli Foreign Minister told CNN-News18, “I had a good conversation with Dr. S. Jaishankar. The Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) also spoke with PM Modi. India’s traditional stance supports regional stability. That stability will only come when radical elements are defeated.”

“India is a key partner in a prosperous Middle East, especially in connectivity. We will work together to shape a better region and a better world,” he added.

Israel-Iran War

On June 13, the Israeli Air Force attacked Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. During the attack, dozens of high-ranking Iranian officers and specialists working on Tehran’s nuclear capabilities were eliminated.

Since then, the two countries have been exchanging daily strikes.

Israeli Defence Minister Katz has also confirmed that Israeli Air Force jets had struck key Iranian infrastructure, including a building he described as central to the regime’s internal repression apparatus.

“Air Force jets have just destroyed the internal security headquarters of the Iranian regime – the main arm of repression of the Iranian dictator," Katz said, adding, “We will strike symbols of governance and hit the Ayatollah regime wherever it may be."