Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that Israel is “ready to resume the war against Iran,” indicating that it is awaiting U.S. approval to carry out large-scale strikes that could cause major destruction in Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump had announced on Tuesday an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, which has been in effect since April 8, in order to allow room for negotiations with Tehran.

Katz said in a video message: “Israel is prepared to resume the war against Iran. The Israeli army is ready on both the defensive and offensive levels, and targets inside Iran have been identified.”

He added: “We are waiting for the green light from the United States, first and foremost to complete the elimination of Khamenei’s lineage, the architect of the project to destroy Israel, and those who succeed the leaders of the Iranian terror regime, as well as to return Iran to the dark ages and the Stone Age by destroying major energy and electricity facilities and dismantling its national economic infrastructure.”

He continued: “This time, when the attack resumes, it will be different and deadly, with additional devastating strikes on the most sensitive points, following the massive blows the Iranian regime has already received—blows that will shake its foundations and lead to its collapse.”

The war erupted following a surprise attack launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, during which Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated on the first day, igniting a regional conflict that caused thousands of deaths, particularly in Iran and Lebanon.

The global economy continues to suffer under the weight of this conflict, especially due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes.

(AFP)