Israel Ready to Strike Iran's Energy Sector, Awaiting US Approval
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Israel's Defense Minister stated that preparations to strike Iranian energy facilities are complete, awaiting final US approval.
- The minister vowed to retaliate against Iran, threatening to plunge the country into a "dark and Stone Age."
- US President Trump announced a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, calling the talks successful.
The rhetoric emanating from Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, is chillingly direct and leaves no room for ambiguity: Israel is poised for a significant escalation against Iran. His declaration that preparations are complete to strike Iran's vital energy infrastructure, pending only a nod from Washington, signals a readiness for a conflict that could have devastating consequences. The threat to send Iran back to the "dark and Stone Age" is not mere bluster; it reflects a strategic intent to inflict maximum damage on the regime's core assets and, by extension, its ability to project power.
Israel is ready to resume war with Iran. The IDF is prepared for defense and offense, and targets have already been set.
This aggressive posture is framed within the context of ongoing regional tensions, particularly concerning Iran's alleged support for Hezbollah. Gallant's words underscore Israel's determination to neutralize any perceived existential threat, emphasizing a proactive, even preemptive, approach to security. The mention of targeting the "successors of the Khamenei family" and the "leadership of the Iranian terrorist regime" points to a desire not just to deter, but to dismantle the very structure of Iranian influence and power in the region.
We will turn Iran into darkness and the Stone Age.
Meanwhile, the pronouncements from US President Donald Trump regarding the extended ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon offer a contrasting note, albeit one laced with its own geopolitical undertones. While presenting the talks as a success and pledging US support for Lebanon's self-defense against Hezbollah, the underlying dynamic remains one of proxy conflict and strategic maneuvering. The invitation to both Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House suggests an attempt to manage, if not resolve, the complex web of relationships, but the underlying animosity and the potential for renewed hostilities, as evidenced by Israel's readiness to strike Iran, remain palpable.
This attack will be different from previous ones. It will be lethal and will target the most painful points.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.