Iran dismisses new U.S. task force aimed at blocking its trade routes

Jerusalem - Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz insists Israel's mission against Iran remains unfinished, as he issued fresh warnings to the Lebanese Hezbollah group and Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Speaking on Sunday, Katz declared that Iran, which has been attacked twice by Israel and the United States since last year, continues to pursue nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.

Katz's remarks come amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing struggle for political survival, with recent threats of new strikes against Iran. However, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu has the backing of US President Donald Trump, whose popularity plummeted during the recent midterm elections in part due to war fatigue.

During the Oct 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, a series of joint Israeli military actions unfolded, including an alleged failed operation by Netanyahu and Mossad against Iran on the eve of the Oct 27 Israeli election. Despite the setback, Israel has maintained its presence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, ruling out withdrawals from these territories. If Hezbollah decides to join Iran in an attack, Katz warned, Israel will unleash severe retaliation.