Nicosia: Israel had no choice but to remove the imminent threat posed by Iran, Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus, Oren Anolik, told CNA, following Israel’s offensive against Iran on Friday. He emphasized the necessity of the military operation to eliminate what he described as an existential threat from Iran’s nuclear program, clarifying that Israel’s actions target radical forces rather than the Iranian populace.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Anolik stated that the Iranian regime has been committed to the destruction of the State of Israel, not only ideologically but as a directive. He accused Iran of promoting an extensive and clandestine nuclear weapons program under the guise of peaceful purposes, as evidenced by IAEA reports indicating military objectives.
Anolik expressed urgency, asserting that Iran is on the brink of acquiring a nuclear weapon, which necessitated Israel’s preemptive actions. He remarked on the significant progress Iran has made recently in its nuclear efforts, surpassing developments seen in the past two decades.
The Ambassador defended Israel’s right to self-defense, explaining that the operation is a last resort focusing on military targets within Iran’s nuclear program. He reiterated Israel’s focus on minimizing harm to civilians and underscored that the campaign is directed at neutralizing the threats posed by radical elements.