Israel Vows to Strike Iran a Third Time as US Says Iranian Attack Caused No Major Damage

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday his country’s military stands ready to resume its campaign against Iran, warning of even greater force if fighting resumes, as a US official confirmed that Iran’s latest missile and drone attack failed to cause significant harm.

Katz Says Israeli Army Ready for Third Campaign

Speaking at a military ceremony, Katz said the army is “ready and on alert for a resumption of fighting” and prepared to strike Iran again to eliminate threats, “including a third time if necessary.” He added that if Israel returns to conflict, it will do so “with even greater force.” His remarks came as fresh fighting broke out between the United States and Iran, raising fears of a full return to war following an April ceasefire and a June US-Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities.

Netanyahu Says Iran Weakened, Campaign Not Over

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the same ceremony, said Iran had been significantly weakened by Israel’s two earlier campaigns, describing the “Iranian axis” as weaker than ever while calling Israel stronger than ever. He pointed to the Israeli Air Force’s reach “from Yemen to Iran” as evidence of its capability, though he acknowledged the conflict is not yet finished.

US Official: Iranian Strikes Caused No Major Damage

A US defense official told AFP that dozens of missiles and drones fired by Iran were either intercepted or failed to cause significant damage, adding that there were no American injuries. The current war began February 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint air campaign that killed Iran’s supreme leader and other senior officials, marking Israel’s second campaign against Iran following a 12-day war in June 2025.