Top Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to a statement from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The announcement was made during a news conference held on Thursday, 12 March 2026, where Netanyahu addressed the escalating tensions in the region.
Netanyahu's Remarks on Iran's Leadership
In his speech, Netanyahu strongly criticized Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, labeling him a "puppet of the Revolutionary Guards" who is unable to appear in public. This comment comes just hours after Iranian state television broadcast a statement purportedly from Khamenei, who has not been seen since his selection as supreme leader and is rumored to have been injured at the onset of the conflict.
Appeal to the Iranian People
Netanyahu also directed a message to the Iranian populace, asserting that the opportunity for a "new path of freedom" is nearing and that Israel stands in solidarity with them. He emphasized, "But at the end of the day, it depends on you. It is in your hands," highlighting the role of Iranian citizens in shaping their future amidst the ongoing strife.
Context of the Strikes
The strikes occurred in the eastern Tehran area, where residential buildings were reportedly destroyed in recent attacks involving both US and Israeli forces. Images from the scene show workers and civilians standing amid rubble, underscoring the devastation caused by the military actions. These events are part of a broader conflict that has seen heightened hostilities between Iran, the US, and Israel, with Tehran issuing warnings over what it terms a "grave miscalculation" by the Trump administration.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation and the implications for global security. The loss of key nuclear scientists could significantly impact Iran's nuclear program, adding a new layer of complexity to the already volatile geopolitical landscape.
