Israel Declares Decisive Phase as US Strikes Kharg Island

Israel Declares "Decisive Phase" in Iran War Amid Massive US Strikes on Kharg Island

As the conflict enters its third week following unprecedented allied airstrikes and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the war with the Islamic Republic is intensifying. According to the news channel اخبارفوری خبرفوری جنگ امریکا فوری, Katz made these remarks during a Saturday morning security assessment with the IDF Chief of Staff and senior military commanders, stating the war has entered a "decisive phase" that will last as long as necessary.

US Strikes Kharg Island Oil Hub DW Persian, a German state-owned broadcaster, reported that US President Donald Trump announced the American military conducted massive strikes against Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iranian oil exports. Katz praised the US attack on Kharg, calling it a "fitting response" to the Islamic Republic's mining of the Strait of Hormuz. Katz also confirmed that Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities are ongoing. Calls for Regime Change Multiple outlets highlighted Katz's direct appeal to the Iranian public. Iran International, a major diaspora opposition network, reported that Katz characterized the current battle as a struggle between the regime's attempts to survive and surrender. He urged the Iranian people to end the situation through resolute struggle, stating that the regime must fall so that Iran can be saved. Tehran Promises Escalation Sources aligned with the Iranian government maintained a defiant posture. The pro-reformist channel حامیان پزشکیان briefly noted the Israeli announcement, pointedly referring to Katz as the Minister of War rather than Defense Minister.

Meanwhile, Saudi-owned العربیه فارسی highlighted statements from Iranian Defense Ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei-Nik, who announced that Tehran will escalate its response. Quoting Iran's state-aligned Fars News Agency, Talaei-Nik warned that Iran will deploy upgraded weaponry in the ongoing war, specifically citing ballistic missiles with greater destructive power, higher maneuverability, and pinpoint accuracy. The channel noted growing international concerns over the war's prolongation and its expansion into Iraq and Lebanon.