In remarks to journalists at the United Nations, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Danny Danon, stated that the “joint U.S.–Israel operation against the Iranian regime is ongoing,” emphasizing that both countries are acting “with strength, coordination, and determination.”
He thanked Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu for what he described as steady leadership and moral clarity during a critical moment.
“Our objectives are clear: no nuclear weapons, no ballistic missile threat, the destruction of the naval fleet, and striking the regime’s proxy network,” Danon said.
“We Target Military Infrastructure”
Danon stressed that Israel and the United States are striking “decisively, surgically, without apology,” while accusing Tehran of reacting “erratically out of desperation.”
He claimed missiles had been launched not only at Israel but also at countries in the region and even into European territory, specifically mentioning Cyprus. “That is not strategy. It is panic. It is desperation,” he said.
Drawing a sharp contrast, he stated:
“We target military infrastructure; they target families.”
He further accused the Iranian regime of terrorizing its own people, Israel, and attempting to destabilize the broader region and the world.
Despite ongoing attacks and hardships, Danon said:
“We will not stop until we achieve our objectives.”
Nuclear Concerns and Duration of the Operation
Warning about the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran, he added:
“This is not a risk we tolerate. It is a reality we will not allow. That is why the joint operation was necessary.”
Addressing criticism within the UN, Danon argued that a photograph circulated by UN officials was taken in late January and showed civilians “killed by the Iranian regime itself.”
He reiterated that one of the primary objectives of the joint operation is to ensure Iran does not retain nuclear capabilities that could threaten the world.
Regarding the duration of the operation, Danon said it would continue as long as necessary. He acknowledged that it has been difficult for Israelis who have spent days in shelters but urged them to remain strong.
“It will not last forever. You are making a sacrifice, but for the future of Israel we must do this,” he said, adding that under the leadership of Trump and Netanyahu, action is finally being taken and “the world will be better — the entire region, the entire world.”
On Iran’s Future Leadership
When asked about Iran’s political future, Danon expressed hope for change.
“We hope there will be new leadership. The Iranian people deserve better leadership. We pray for your freedom and believe it will come sooner than expected,” he said.
Responding to reports of a strike on a school in Iran, Danon stated that Israel regrets any civilian loss of life. He said there were claims that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had struck the school and reiterated that Israel targets military objectives, accusing Iran of doing the opposite.
