Israel could strike Iran even if Tehran reaches an agreement with the United States, provided that Iran attempts to revive its nuclear program or ballistic missile program, Israel’s energy minister said.
In an interview with Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the minister said Israel was coordinating with the Israeli prime minister and the United States to advance the establishment of an alternative energy route that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, amid heightened security tensions affecting the two maritime corridors.
He said the aim was to establish an alternative route for transporting energy away from the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, without providing further details about the proposed route or a timetable for its implementation.
The Israeli statements come amid continued tensions with Iran, as Iranian acting Defense Minister Majid Ibn al-Reza said his country would not halt the development of its defense capabilities.
Iran’s Radio and Television News Agency quoted Ibn al-Reza as saying that the Defense Ministry’s mission includes building national capabilities, protecting the country’s security and developing its defense capabilities in order to prevent what he described as “miscalculations” or plans targeting Iran.
He added that national unity constitutes, in his words, “the most important part” of Iran’s defensive strength, stressing that Tehran would continue working to develop its capabilities.
Ibn al-Reza said the Defense Ministry would “spare no effort or sacrifice” in carrying out its duties, emphasizing its continued commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities.
The Iranian official’s remarks come as officials in Tehran continue to call for maintaining national unity and social cohesion amid ongoing regional tensions.
AFP
