Israeli President Herzog Clarifies Stance on Iran's Nuclear Program

In a recent interview with CNBC, Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that Israel is not pursuing regime change in Iran, but rather focusing on the elimination of its nuclear capabilities. This assertion comes amidst heightened tensions and military actions between the two nations, with Herzog accusing Iran of 'cheating' and 'rushing to the bomb.' The remarks were made during a critical period, following Israeli airstrikes aimed at Iranian nuclear sites, which Herzog claims have had a significant impact on Iran's nuclear program.

Herzog emphasized that regime change is 'not an official objective' for Israel, highlighting that the main goal is to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. He stated, 'One has to be tough sometimes in order to remove imminent threats. That’s exactly what we’re doing,' underscoring the urgency he perceives in addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concerns regarding Iran's nuclear activities, urging the country to fully cooperate to confirm that its program remains peaceful. In a statement on June 9, 2025, the IAEA warned that without cooperation, it could not assure the global community that Iran’s nuclear program is not aimed at weaponization.

The situation has escalated following a series of Israeli airstrikes on June 13, which targeted what Israel described as key locations related to Iran's nuclear program. These military actions have resulted in a tit-for-tat exchange of hostilities, with both nations engaging in strikes that raise concerns of broader conflict.

Adding to the complexity, U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that Iran is 'very close' to acquiring a nuclear bomb, a claim that contradicts the assessment of his National Intelligence Director, Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard testified in March 2025 that the intelligence community believes Iran is not actively pursuing nuclear weapons and that the Supreme Leader has not authorized a weapons program since it was suspended in 2003.

The geopolitical implications of this situation have drawn varying responses from international entities. The Group of Seven (G7) countries expressed solidarity with Israel, labeling Iran as 'the principal source of regional instability and terror,' and reiterated that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. In contrast, China condemned Israel's actions, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserting that Beijing supports Iran's sovereignty and rights in the face of Israeli military actions.

In terms of diplomatic avenues, Herzog acknowledged the existence of 'back channel' discussions, stating that there are 'intensive' national talks and dialogues with world leaders aimed at de-escalating tensions. This diplomatic effort may play a crucial role in addressing the ongoing crisis and preventing further military escalation.

As regional tensions continue to mount, the international community remains watchful of the developments surrounding Iran's nuclear program and Israel's military strategies, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the potential for significant geopolitical repercussions.