Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News the Iran conflict will end only if the Iranian regime falls or is sufficiently weakened to stop its nuclear program. He said recent US-Israeli strikes have set Tehran's program back "a good few years" and warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a "mortal peril" to U.S. citizens. Netanyahu defended his support for President Trump's approach, criticized ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, and accused New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani of amplifying Khan's allegations; he also said he intends to visit New York.
Netanyahu Says Iran War Will End Only If Regime Falls Or Halts Nuclear Program
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a vote at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 16, 2026. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday that the conflict with Iran will end only if the Iranian regime collapses or is weakened to the point that it accepts ending its nuclear program.
Iran's Nuclear Program and Military Pressure
Netanyahu reiterated that Iran must stop pursuing a nuclear weapon "with or without a deal," and said recent US-Israeli strikes have delayed Tehran's program by "a good few years." He warned that an Iranian nuclear weapon would be a "mortal peril to every citizen in the United States," and said Israel would "pursue all the means to prevent that" outcome.
"If Iran attacks Israel, either directly or through proxies, either with ballistic missiles or UAVs or killer drones, it will make a terrible mistake," Netanyahu said. "Israel's response will be very, very forceful."
Netanyahu also said the question of whether to renew major strikes on Iran rested, "in many ways," with U.S. President Donald Trump, and cautioned that Tehran could rebuild sites and capabilities damaged or destroyed by the strikes.
Relations With the U.S. and Intelligence Cooperation
He said he fully supports President Trump's approach toward Iran and emphasized that Israel and the United States "constantly" share intelligence on Tehran.
United Nations Visit and Local Fallout
Despite remarks by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggesting Netanyahu would not be welcome, the prime minister said he still "intends to come to New York," noting he has appeared at the United Nations "almost every year" during his premiership.
ICC Arrest Warrant And Accusations
Addressing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for him and other Israeli officials, Netanyahu criticized ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan, saying Khan — "the one who promoted" the warrant — has been "completely exposed as a criminal," referring to Khan's recent dismissal amid sexual harassment allegations.
Netanyahu accused Khan of using allegations of Israeli war crimes to deflect attention from his own alleged misconduct. He also charged that Mayor Mamdani had relied on Khan's claims and was "fomenting hate" by repeating arrest threats and war crime accusations.
Security Concerns in New York
Netanyahu linked Mamdani's comments to a stabbing attack at a New York synagogue that occurred the day after the mayor's remarks, saying he believes the timing is not coincidental and describing the situation as "shameful" for New York and "very bad for peace." He said New York's Jewish community feels "uncomfortable" amid rising antisemitism.
Netanyahu also accused Mayor Mamdani of celebrating the October 7 attacks and of supporting Hamas — charges the mayor has denied. Speaking about Hamas, Netanyahu said, "They're the ones who are responsible for genocide. They would have killed every single Jew in Israel and every Jew in the world."
Note: This is a developing story.
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