BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 1. Justice has
prevailed, and the axis of evil has been dealt a heavy blow, said
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, Trend reports.
"Khamenei was neutralized in the opening strike of Operation
'Roaring Lion,' along with other high-ranking Iranian officials.
Those who acted to destroy Israel were destroyed. Justice has
prevailed, and the axis of evil has been dealt a heavy blow.
Congratulations to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his
leadership and decisiveness, and to the IDF for the brilliant
execution. We will continue to act with full force to defend the
State of Israel," Katz said.
Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington
and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S.
increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150
aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East.
The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between
Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the
administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations
were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution.
However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt
uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept
indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its
airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister
Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive.
