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Israel Claims Victory Over Iran, But Conflict Continues

Published March 17, 2026, 20:11
Israel Claims Victory Over Iran, But Conflict Continues

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that Israel has essentially won its war against Iran, but did not indicate when the military campaign might end. He argued that success lies in weakening Iran's ability to attack Israel and creating conditions for potential internal overthrow of the Iranian regime, while acknowledging that this change can only come from the Iranian people themselves. Simultaneously, the Israeli military continues airstrikes on Iranian targets, including missile launchers and nuclear facilities. Saar described Iran as "dramatically weakened" compared to before the start of the war, but emphasized that the military campaign will continue until the completion of the mission. This statement contrasts with Iran's continued ability to launch rockets towards Israel, even after two weeks of war, suggesting the conflict is far from over. The Trump administration has given mixed messages regarding the end of the war, implying both imminent completion and ongoing campaign. Israeli officials have not provided a specific timeline, while the military has war plans for the next three weeks and beyond. Saar's victory claim comes alongside the announcement of the assassination of the head of Iranian national security, Ali Larijani, by the Israeli military. The war has claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, primarily in Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and Iraq, while Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime artery. The situation remains tense, and the escalation of the conflict poses a continuing threat to regional stability.