World news, Sept. 4: Netanyahu says overthrowing Iran is within reach as Cuba opens further to private business

Benjamin Netanyahu says overthrowing Iran’s regime is now “within reach.” The Israeli prime minister made the comment on Sept. 3 to Israeli military leaders, as the United States resumed attacks and Israel approached a general election on Oct. 27.

Netanyahu said the Iranian government was “weaker than ever” and struggling to survive. “I am convinced that we can eliminate this threat once and for all, meaning overthrow this regime,” he said. “That is the central mission still ahead, but it is very close. It is not impossible. It is within reach.” He also argued that Iran had attacked other countries but had not attacked Israel because its leaders knew Israel’s strength and determination.

The remarks came as some opinion polls showed Netanyahu trailing, while opposition leaders accused him of failing on the Iran issue.

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I am convinced that we can eliminate this threat once and for all, meaning overthrow this regime. That is the central mission still ahead, but it is very close. It is not impossible. It is within reach.

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the country’s oil industry had continued to overcome a blockade imposed by U.S. forces. He acknowledged that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and ships had created “difficult circumstances,” but said Iranian leaders had found ways around it. “Even under bombardment, our colleagues continue loading oil onto tankers. The country’s crude oil exports have not been interrupted, not even for one hour,” Paknejad told the Iranian Students’ News Agency.

In Indonesia, a school principal said 777 students and teachers in Central Java had suffered food poisoning after eating free meals supplied by the government. At a high school in Lasem, 752 students and 25 teachers experienced diarrhea and vomiting. A health official said about 950 other Indonesians had fallen ill in separate incidents at three locations that week. The multibillion-dollar program began in January 2025 under President Prabowo Subianto and aims to provide free meals to at least 82.9 million children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

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Even under bombardment, our colleagues continue loading oil onto tankers. The country’s crude oil exports have not been interrupted, not even for one hour.