Israel PM Netanyahu Appeals Iranians To Overthrow ‘Terrorist Regime’ As Strikes Intensify

In a historic and direct appeal to the citizens of Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the Iranian people to seize a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to topple the Islamic Republic. His address, delivered on Sunday, March 1, 2026, follows the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a massive joint U.S.-Israeli military operation.

Speaking in both Hebrew and a Persian-language AI-assisted video, Netanyahu declared that the “shackles of tyranny” are breaking and that Israel is prepared to strike thousands of additional targets to ensure the regime’s collapse.

Key Highlights from Netanyahu’s Address

• The “Libeartion” Message: Netanyahu told Iranians, “The help you have longed for has now arrived,” asserting that Israel and the U.S. are creating the conditions for the Iranian people to “take their fate into their own hands.”
• Thousands of Targets: The PM warned that the current offensive is just the beginning. Israel intends to strike thousands of targets linked to the IRGC, the Basij, and the regime’s nuclear and missile infrastructure.
• Praise for Trump: Netanyahu lauded U.S. President Donald Trump for his “bold and decisive” leadership in launching Operation Epic Fury, stating that U.S.-Israeli cooperation is at an “all-time high.”
• Call to Ethnic Unity: He specifically called on Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Balochs, and other groups to unite, promising safety to any member of the Iranian military (Artesh) who lays down their arms.

The Military Situation: “Operation Lion’s Roar”

The IDF has provided new details on the scale of the assault that has decimated the Iranian leadership:

• Senior Command Eliminated: The IDF confirmed that the opening strike not only killed Khamenei but also “three chiefs-of-staff” and numerous senior IRGC officers.
• Nuclear Program “Sent to Oblivion”: Netanyahu claimed that the joint strikes have destroyed dozens of laboratories and factories, effectively ending Iran’s current nuclear weapons project.
• Missile Stockpiles: The Israeli military estimates that half of Iran’s total missile stockpiles have been destroyed in the first 36 hours of combat.

Retaliation and Regional Chaos

While Netanyahu calls for peace through regime change, the immediate reality on the ground remains volatile:

• Iranian Retaliation: Iran’s interim leadership council has vowed a “force never seen before.” Retaliatory strikes have already injured 21 people in Tel Aviv and caused fires in Dubai (Burj Al Arab) and Abu Dhabi.
• Civilian Safety Alerts: The UAE government issued its first-ever nationwide mobile emergency alert today, instructing all residents to seek immediate shelter as air defenses intercepted nearly 200 drones.
• Diplomatic Outcry: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the strikes as a violation of international law, calling for an immediate return to negotiations.

Regional Status Update: March 1, 2026 (4:00 PM IST)