Israel says attacks on Iran delayed its nuclear programme by two years

An Israeli minister stated that attacks on Iran delayed the country's progress toward becoming a nuclear power by two years and that Israel has the intention to extend the war instead of a ceasefire. 

Shortly after issuing a warning about an incoming missile barrage from Iran at 2:30 am (local time), Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed that Israel’s recent military actions had delayed Iran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon by “at least two or three years.”

Saar stated that the Israeli attacks, which targeted hundreds of nuclear and military sites and resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, had yielded “very significant” outcomes.

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“We have already achieved a lot, but we will continue to do everything we can,” Saar said in an interview. “We will not stop until we have done everything possible to remove this threat.”

He further emphasised that Israel has no intention of pursuing a ceasefire, reiterating, “We will do everything that we can do there in order to remove this threat.”

Speaking from Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by affirming that Iran is prepared to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty “with all force.”

Araghchi also stated that Iran would only consider resuming diplomatic talks with Washington if Israel halts its bombardment of Iranian territory.

Despite global pressure and the ongoing conflict, Iran is reportedly continuing efforts to develop a nuclear weapon, citing the need to protect its civilians from a potential large-scale war.