Netanyahu asserts Iran plans to use nuclear bomb against Israel

In July 2025, tensions escalated between Israel and Iran following a 12-day conflict that reportedly weakened Iran’s regional proxies like Hezbollah. During a Fox News interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the urgent need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, claiming that Tehran could develop a nuclear bomb within a year. He expressed concerns about the regime's intention to launch an atomic strike against Israel, a prospect he believes is alarming due to Iran's militant history. Netanyahu’s statements reflect his view that Iran is a substantial threat to Israeli security and regional stability. The discourse became more heated as an aide to Iranian lawmaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf shared a computer-generated image depicting Israel suffering nuclear explosions. This post by Mehdi Mohammadi showcased two mushroom clouds over Israel, particularly ominous over Jerusalem. Even though he later denied support for the idea, the post was interpreted as a thinly veiled threat, stirring up further resentment and anxiety in the already fraught Israeli-Iranian relations. Netanyahu, dissatisfied with the recent military outcomes and the perceived Iranian resurgence, insists on taking more aggressive actions against Iran, which he labels as unfinished business from a strategic perspective. Middle Eastern officials noted that the Israeli prime minister considers the ongoing conflict far from resolved and urges swift action before Iran consolidates its power further. As the situation deteriorates, both nations are caught in a cycle of threats, with Israel deeming Iran's nuclear capabilities a primary existential threat while Iran defends its nuclear program as being for peaceful purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran is enriching uranium significantly beyond level suitable for civilian energy, intensifying global fears surrounding a potential nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Amidst a backdrop of regional instability, this narrative encapsulates the precarious balance of power in the region, underscoring the stakes of nuclear proliferation and the contrasting military and diplomatic strategies employed by Israel and Iran.