Israeli Defense Minister: War on Iran is entering a decisive phase
3/14/2026 3:01:33 PM
Israel Katz, Israel’s defense minister, said the joint Israeli-U.S. campaign against Iran is "intensifying and entering a decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary," according to Agence France-Presse.
In a recorded statement distributed to media, Katz said the conflict has reached a critical stage between "the regime’s attempts to survive—while causing increasing suffering to the Iranian people—and its surrender."
He added that "only the Iranian people can put an end to this through determined struggle…by overthrowing the regime and saving Iran," repeating calls Israel has made to Iranians in recent days.
Katz also congratulated Donald Trump for what he described as a "powerful strike" carried out by the U.S. military on Friday against Iran’s Kharg Island oil facility.
He said the attack was "an appropriate response" to alleged minefields in the Strait of Hormuz and what he called "extortion attempts by the Iranian terrorist regime."
Katz added that the Israeli Air Force is continuing "a series of intense strikes" on Tehran and other locations across Iran, accusing the country of engaging in regional and global terrorism and attempting to pressure Israel and the United States to halt their campaign.
In a recorded statement distributed to media, Katz said the conflict has reached a critical stage between "the regime’s attempts to survive—while causing increasing suffering to the Iranian people—and its surrender."
He added that "only the Iranian people can put an end to this through determined struggle…by overthrowing the regime and saving Iran," repeating calls Israel has made to Iranians in recent days.
Katz also congratulated Donald Trump for what he described as a "powerful strike" carried out by the U.S. military on Friday against Iran’s Kharg Island oil facility.
He said the attack was "an appropriate response" to alleged minefields in the Strait of Hormuz and what he called "extortion attempts by the Iranian terrorist regime."
Katz added that the Israeli Air Force is continuing "a series of intense strikes" on Tehran and other locations across Iran, accusing the country of engaging in regional and global terrorism and attempting to pressure Israel and the United States to halt their campaign.