by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday announced that Israel’s military offensive in Iran is designed not only to dismantle the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and missile threats, but also to open the door for the Iranian people to claim their freedom from what he called an “evil and oppressive regime.”
In a direct video appeal to Iranians, Netanyahu praised Operation Rising Lion as “one of the greatest military operations in history” and urged the nation to rise up. He accused the regime of nearly 50 years of brutal oppression and warned that it endangers Israel’s existence. Netanyahu said the campaign’s strikes on dozens of military and nuclear targets have dealt a severe blow to Tehran’s strength and leadership.
“The regime doesn’t know what hit them — or what’s coming next. They’ve never been weaker,” he declared, calling on Iranians to unite and make their voices heard. Quoting the chant of recent anti-regime protests, he said, “Woman, Life, Freedom — Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.”
In a separate interview with Iranian opposition media outlet Iran International, Netanyahu delivered a stirring message to the people of Iran:
“A torch has been lit — carry it to freedom. This is the time. Your hour of freedom is near — it’s happening now.
I believe in you. I respect you. I admire you. I know your achievements. I know your potential. I know that Iran can be great again. It was a great civilization, and this theological thuggery that has kidnapped your country will not stand for long. You are the future, not them.”
Amid the escalating conflict, some Iranians expressed gratitude for Israel’s actions.
Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi condemned the fighting as “Khamenei’s war, not Iran’s,” and urged the nation’s security forces to side with the people against the regime. Meanwhile, the Iranian rial tumbled over 15% on the black market as anxiety over further violence gripped the country.
Prophecy teachers have expressed hope that current events may mark the fulfillment of Jeremiah 49, where Scripture foretells the removal of kings and officials from Elam—the ancient name for modern Iran—and promises that God will establish His throne there in the “last days.” As written, “I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 49:35-39). Some see in this moment a divine cycle unfolding — just as God once used Cyrus of Persia to rebuild Jerusalem, they believe God is now using Jerusalem to play a role in rebuilding and restoring the fortunes of Elam (Jeremiah 49:39).
Adding to the sense of prophetic significance is the extraordinary growth of the underground church in Iran. Once numbering approximately 100,000 believers in the 1990s, the Christian population has surged to an estimated 2 to 3 million today, making it one of the fastest-growing Christian communities in the world.
Netanyahu pledged that Israel’s operation would continue “for as many days as it takes” to ensure Israel’s security and, he hoped, to help inspire freedom and restoration for the Iranian people.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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