The key facts
- Netanyahu: the last conversation with Trump about a change of power in Iran took place on October 18
- The Prime Minister considers overthrowing the Iranian regime a main task and links it to the cessation of Hezbollah's activities
- Trump previously promised not to attack Iran before the US congressional midterm elections on November 3; the White House denied discussing military action
Statement in Kiryat Shmona
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he discussed with US President Donald Trump the possibility of overthrowing the current government in Iran. According to him, the last such conversation took place on October 18. The remarks were made at the ceremony opening the academic year at the new university in Kiryat Shmona, near the Lebanese border.
Regime change in Tehran as a goal
Netanyahu called a change of political leadership in Tehran one of Israel's main goals. 'I am determined to complete this task. Completing the task means overthrowing the regime in Iran,' the Prime Minister said. In his view, the fall of the Iranian authorities would lead to the cessation of the activities of the Lebanese movement Hezbollah and open the way to peace with Lebanon. He also said that the Israeli army had significantly weakened Hezbollah's forces in southern Lebanon and created a security zone there.
Accusations against Iran
According to Netanyahu, as long as Iran's current leadership remains in power, Tehran is capable of restoring its military potential and support for allied armed groups. The Prime Minister also accused the Iranian authorities of intending to resume work on nuclear weapons. 'We must complete the removal of the Iranian regime — that is the main thing. I have discussed this with President Trump more than once, including the day before yesterday,' he noted.
Context: disagreements over the topic of the talks
Earlier, Life.ru reported that Trump and Netanyahu discussed the possibility of a new large-scale military operation against Iran ahead of elections in both countries. According to Axios, the discussion concerned joint strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, and the Israeli Prime Minister expressed concern about Tehran's alleged attempts to restore its nuclear program. At the same time, the White House denied that the leaders had discussed a resumption of hostilities, and Trump himself promised not to attack Iran before the US congressional midterm elections on November 3. It was also reported that Trump declared his support for Netanyahu in the Israeli elections on October 27.
