'We'll do what we can to degrade Iran’s nuclear programme': Israeli envoy
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New Delhi: Israel will persist in efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, within its capabilities, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar stated on Tuesday.
Speaking at a briefing amid rising tensions between the two nations, Azar also emphasised that a diplomatic solution would be preferable to end the hostilities.
The envoy said Israel took military action to "severely degrade" Iran's nuclear programme and ballistic capabilities, claiming it posed a "threat" to his country.
"We'll continue to do what is in our capabilities to degrade Iran's nuclear programme," he told reporters when asked about the future course of the confrontation.
When asked about US expectations, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar stated that Washington and Israel are “completely in sync,” expressing confidence that the US would “support” Israel’s actions.
Sources indicate that Israel launched its recent operations in response to Iran’s alleged renewed weaponisation activity within its nuclear programme. However, international reports state that Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, with US assessments suggesting Tehran has not pursued an organised nuclear weapons effort since 2003.
Azar’s briefing coincided with the ongoing G7 Summit in Canada.
Under Operation Rising Lion, Israel conducted multiple strikes on Iranian territory, prompting Tehran to retaliate after issuing a warning on Friday.
The Israeli Air Force now practically has achieved air superiority over a large portion of the Iranian skies, he claimed.
Asked what role Israel foresaw from the US and if it anticipated anything from the US given the fact that he has returned to Washington, Azar said, "We will have to see." "Whatever the US does will be as per its national interests," he said.
The G7 Leaders' statement on recent developments said it affirmed that "Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel."
"We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," it added and urged that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a "broader de-escalation" of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.
Regarding India's stance on the Israel-Iran conflict, despite the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) criticism of Israel's military strikes, he said, "We appreciate it."
India had previously expressed "deep concern" over the escalating tensions and stated it was "closely monitoring" the situation, urging both nations to avoid further escalation. Following the SCO statement, New Delhi reaffirmed its position and called on the international community to pursue dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation.
On the conflict's future trajectory, Azar stated, "We have to continue to degrade their capabilities," noting that Israeli forces had targeted approximately 120 missile launchers and other military assets.
Addressing a video showing a strike on Iran’s state-run TV, the envoy said, "We had asked the TV station to evacuate" and claimed such stations had become "mouthpieces of the military machinery."
When questioned about reports of damage to Israel's Haifa port, he dismissed the claims, stating that it had not been affected.
(inputs from PTI)
