Amid escalating regional tensions, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that the war against Iran has entered a sensitive and critical phase. He emphasized that the conflict will continue as long as necessary to achieve its objectives. In a recorded speech on Saturday at the Defense Ministry headquarters (Kirya) in Tel Aviv, Katz urged the Iranian people to act against their government, insisting that they alone could end the conflict and save Iran from the “terrorist regime.”
Accompanied by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Katz added, “The conflict with Iran is escalating, and we are entering the decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary,” underlining the ongoing Israeli and American pressure on Tehran. These statements echo previous calls from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have yet to generate significant response among the Iranian populace.
Tehran’s Warnings and Restrictions on Protests
Iranian authorities accuse Israel and the United States of attempting to overthrow the regime through networks of internal agents. They have warned against any protests that could be exploited during wartime, emphasizing that any street movements could be interpreted as supporting “enemies of the country.” The Iranian police chief stated that any demonstrator deemed to work on behalf of adversaries would be treated as an enemy, signaling the security forces’ readiness to suppress potential uprisings.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard also warned that any renewed protests would face harsher responses than previous waves of unrest, reflecting the crackdown measures witnessed earlier this year. Meanwhile, Iran continues launching missiles and drones toward Israel and American interests across Arab countries, causing casualties and material damage, according to affected states.
Iranian Opposition and Israeli-American Stakes
Simultaneously, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the deposed Shah of Iran, supported by Israel and the U.S., declared his readiness to lead the country “upon the fall of the Islamic Republic.” He is working to assemble a “transitional government” composed of figures residing inside and outside Iran, reflecting the external backing of opposition forces.
Since February 28, Israel and the United States have been conducting military operations against Iran, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including security officials. In response, Tehran continues missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and American interests in the region, escalating a continuous confrontation dynamic.
Conclusion
Between Israeli calls for an internal Iranian movement and Tehran’s strict warnings against any dissent, the conflict has become a complex standoff, intertwining military, political, and security stakes. While Israel and the U.S. are betting on an internal uprising to topple the regime, Tehran’s determination to suppress dissent makes the outcome uncertain, leaving the region in a persistent state of tension and instability.
