Netanyahu says Iran war 'has not ended' amid new US strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Thursday that the war with Iran "has not ended," warning of new security challenges as he addressed graduating air force cadets amid renewed military exchanges between Tehran and Washington in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Netanyahu's warning at air base

Speaking at Hatzerim Air Base in southern Israel, Netanyahu emphasized the centrality of air power to national defense. "The war has not ended. There are new challenges," he said, according to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth. He added that "maintaining air superiority is a fundamental pillar of Israel's national security doctrine" and that it remains essential for preserving stability across the turbulent Middle East.

Military command vows continued operations

Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir echoed the premier's assessment, stating that the military campaign against Tehran remains unfinished. "On the drawing board are new plans. Major operations are still expected to lie ahead of us. Be prepared," he said in brief remarks to personnel. Zamir's comments came as Iran and the United States traded attacks over the past 48 hours — a sharp escalation triggered by Iranian strikes on three commercial vessels in the vital waterway.

Collapse of Pakistan-brokered truce

The latest violence follows the breakdown of a memorandum of understanding reached on June 17 under Pakistan's mediation, which had aimed to end the military conflict and establish a lasting peace framework. However, US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that the agreement was "over," effectively terminating the accord and unleashing a new round of confrontations. Washington and Jerusalem launched joint attacks against Iran in February, killing more than 3,000 people including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to retaliate with drone and missile strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting American assets.