'Path to Tehran is open': In strongest warning yet, Netanyahu says Israel will strike 'every site of Ayatollah regime' in Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday issued his strongest warning yet to Iran, vowing to strike "every target of the ayatollah regime" and declaring that Israeli forces had already dealt a "real blow" to Tehran's nuclear infrastructure in an escalating military confrontation between the two regional arch-rivals."We will hit every site, every target of the ayatollah regime," Netanyahu said in a video address, as Israel's air force continued its unprecedented campaign against Iranian military and nuclear facilities for a second consecutive day."Path to Tehran open," says NetanyahuClaiming Israel had opened a "path to Tehran," Netanyahu warned that Iranian leaders should expect Israeli fighter jets in the skies over the capital "very soon."His remarks came shortly after the Israeli military announced it had struck 40 key targets in Tehran overnight, including ballistic missile sites and advanced air defence systems.

The strikes were part of a broader Israeli offensive launched on Friday, which reportedly hit more than 200 Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing several high-ranking commanders, nuclear scientists, and government officials."What they have felt so far is nothing compared to what they will feel under the force of our arm in the coming days," Netanyahu warned, calling Iran's nuclear ambitions and missile arsenal a "dual threat" to the State of Israel.

Escalation after deadly exchangeThe conflict erupted into open warfare following Israel's Friday assault on Iranian soil, a dramatic escalation in their shadow war that had largely played out through proxies and covert operations until now.Iran's response was swift. It launched waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The retaliatory attack killed three people, injured more than 70 others, and caused damage in multiple locations, according to Israeli authorities.Iran's state media reported 78 people killed and over 320 injured in the first wave of Israeli strikes.Global concerns over widening conflictThe intensifying military confrontation has sparked global alarm, with regional and international powers urging both sides to de-escalate. However, both Israel and Iran appear determined to press ahead with their campaigns.