'Iran Has Enough For 9 Atomic Bombs': Israel's Foreign Minister On Tehran's Nuclear Capability | Exclusive

Last Updated:June 18, 2025, 20:35 IST

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar claimed that in terms of enrichment, Iran is "very advanced" and has started making progress when it comes to weaponisation as well

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Iran's actions are extremely risky and dangerously close to a critical point. (Image: AFP/File)

Iran has enough material to build nine atomic bombs, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar told News18 when asked about his country’s take on Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

Sa’ar claimed that in terms of enrichment, Iran is “very advanced" and has material for nine atomic bombs. He said in terms of weaponisation, too, the country has started making progress.

“Iran is very advanced in uranium enrichment and now possesses enough material for nine atomic bombs. They have also begun making progress in weaponisation. This is extremely risky – they are dangerously close to a critical point," Sa’ar told News18 in an exclusive interview. 

Since the beginning of the fighting between the two countries since June 13, Israel’s prime goal has been to foil Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Apart from that, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, they also want to neutralise Iran’s missile production and attack capabilities. 

“When negotiations stalled and the IAEA confirmed breaches of the agreement, we acted. Perhaps we acted late, but certainly not too early," Sa’ar said.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the air force has hit more than 1,100 Iranian assets in hundreds of strikes when it launched Operation Rising Lion on June 13.

“We are operating systematically to neutralise the nuclear threat," IDF spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin said at a press conference, adding that the strikes are “deepening the significant damage" caused to Iran’s ballistic missiles and air defences.

‘OBJECTIVE OF AMERICAN ADMINISTRATION SIMILAR’

On the position taken by the US about Iran’s ability to become a nuclear power, Sa’ar said the Donald Trump administration shares a similar objective with Israel. He said his government will do everything necessary to see this through even if the US decides to change tack.

“The objective of the American administration is similar – they have said clearly that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons," he said.

He added: “What America decides is their choice. But Israel will do everything necessary to prevent it. We have already delayed this threat significantly. We are thankful to America for their support. Future decisions will be taken by President Trump."

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News world 'Iran Has Enough For 9 Atomic Bombs': Israel's Foreign Minister On Tehran's Nuclear Capability | Exclusive