Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that Iran no longer represents an existential threat to Israel. This assessment follows a month of joint U.S.-Israeli operations aimed at significantly weakening Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, stating the conflict “won’t last much longer.”

Strategic Reversal Achieved

Speaking ahead of Passover, which began Wednesday night, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel has “achieved immense, enormous accomplishments” in its campaign against Iran and its regional proxies. He characterized the operation as a pivotal moment, both on the battlefield and strategically. “On the eve of this Festival of Freedom, Israel is stronger than ever,” Netanyahu said. “Iran can no longer threaten our existence.”

Targeting Iran's Capabilities

Netanyahu explained that the joint campaign systematically targeted Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, regime infrastructure, internal security forces, and senior leadership. The operation also focused on disrupting Tehran’s network of regional terror proxies. Over the years, Iran invested approximately $1 trillion into these programs and proxies.

'Ten Plagues' Delivered

Framing the operation within the context of Passover, Netanyahu described the actions taken as delivering “ten plagues” to what he termed the “axis of evil.” These included targeting Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and directly striking Iran itself in five key areas: its nuclear program, missiles, regime infrastructure, security apparatus, and top officials.

Eliminating Key Threats

Netanyahu highlighted that the campaign successfully removed two long-standing threats to Israel’s strategic security: Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its efforts to build a substantial ballistic missile arsenal. He noted Iran’s attempts to conceal these programs “deep, deep underground” to protect them from Israeli reach, necessitating a decisive response. Israel’s earlier “Rising Lion” operation, combined with the current campaign, delivered a “complementary achievement” by dismantling the regime’s production capabilities.

Degrading Iran's Power

The campaign has degraded Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, including preventing the relocation of these capabilities underground. While Iran-backed terror groups retain some residual capabilities, Netanyahu asserted they “can no longer threaten our existence” or launch the large-scale missile attacks previously anticipated against Israeli cities. “We have shaken this regime,” he stated, “And I tell you, sooner or later, it is destined to fall.”

Unprecedented Cooperation

Netanyahu emphasized the “unprecedented, historic cooperation” between himself and President Trump, as well as between the U.S. military and the Israel Defense Forces. Trump mirrored this confidence, repeatedly suggesting the operation’s primary objectives had been met and a conclusion was near.

Trump Signals Impending Victory

President Trump stated Operation Epic Fury is “two weeks ahead of schedule,” adding that “there’s not much” remaining before the United States declares victory. He indicated the operation could conclude within “two or three weeks,” or even sooner. Trump also clarified that a diplomatic settlement with Iran is not a prerequisite for ending the operation, stating that the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons has been achieved.

Achieving Core Objectives

Trump reiterated his primary goal was to ensure Iran would not possess nuclear weapons, a goal he believes has been attained. He downplayed concerns about Iran’s remaining enriched uranium stockpiles, stating they no longer pose an immediate threat. Failed diplomatic efforts, as reported by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, revealed Iran’s unwillingness to relinquish its enrichment program or concede militarily what the U.S. could take by force.

Both leaders indicated the core aims of the campaign – neutralizing Iran’s nuclear threat, dismantling its missile infrastructure, and disrupting its proxy network – have largely been accomplished. Trump is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday night with an update on the conflict, signaling the operation may be in its final stages.