Israel’s new defense minister said Monday the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic are now more vulnerable than ever, following Israel’s October 26 airstrikes which targeted Iran’s key air defense systems.
The Israeli air raids last month knocked out Iran's last three Russian-provided S-300 air defense missile systems, Fox News reported on October 30 citing US and Israeli officials. The surface-to-air S-300s were the last in the Islamic Republic's arsenal after one was destroyed in an attack in April also likely carried out by Israel.
“Iran today is more exposed than ever to damage to its nuclear facilities," Defense Minister Israel Katz said.
In late October, US President Joe Biden's adviser for the Middle East Amos Hochstein said in an internal phone call that "Iran is essentially naked", according to Fox News.
Israel carried out the airstrikes in the early hours of October 26 in retaliation for a ballistic missile barrage from Iran on Oct. 1. One Iranian civilian and four military personnel were killed, Iranian media said, and officials have pledged a response.
Threat of Israel’s annihilation
In his Monday remarks, Israel’s defense minister said the vulnerability of Iranian nuclear sites has made it more plausible for Israel “to achieve the most important goal, to thwart and remove the threat of annihilation from hanging over the State of Israel."
Iranian authorities have consistently called for Israel's destruction, and until now, refused to call it anything other than 'the Zionist entity'.
Iranian news outlets covered the news extensively, focusing on Israel's coordination with the US and potential Russian involvement to prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament via Syria.
Hezbollah confirmed that it has not received any formal truce proposal. "So far, according to my information, nothing official has reached Lebanon or us in this regard," the head of Hezbollah's media office, Mohammad Afif, said in news conference in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday.
Iranian sources such as Rouydad24, Aftabnews, and Mehr News Agency expressed growing optimism around the potential for a ceasefire in the conflict which has seen hundreds of thousands of Lebanese displaced and tens of thousands more on the Israeli side.
On Monday, Israel's new Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, highlighted the importance of securing Israel's northern border by ensuring Hezbollah’s forces remain north of the Litani River—a critical demarcation roughly 30 kilometers from Israel.
The lines were drawn by UN Resolution 1701 in 2006, designed to create a buffer zone between Israel and south Lebanon, but they have not been adhered to in spite of the presence of UN peacekeepers.
The Resolution stipulated that all armed militias leave the designated area and disarm. Neither of which has happened in the nearly two decades since.
Saar said Israel is working with the US and is determined to return the 63,000 displaced residents home. "We can be there [the north] when we all know first of all that Hezbollah is not on our border, that it is north of the Litani River, and that Hezbollah will not be able to re-arm itself with new weapon systems through Syria."
He said that enforcing the conditions would be Israel’s primary challenge, adding: “Lebanon belongs to the citizens of Lebanon, not to Iran ... I am sure that most Lebanese citizens do not want to be an Iranian extension.”
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday. According to Mehr News Agency, Ghalibaf stressed Iran’s readiness to aid peace efforts in both Lebanon and Gaza.
As the fallout from Israel's war of attrition with Iran's biggest militia has led to massive destruction and displacement across Lebanon, Ghalibaf added that Iran’s support for Lebanon comes from the highest levels, including the Supreme Leader, the government, and the parliament. He said: “Iran is prepared to extend both political and humanitarian assistance as needed.”
Lebanon's Health Ministry says over 3,000 Lebanese citizens have been killed since the group deemed terrorists by nations including the US, launched attacks on Israel. The numbers do not differentiate between militants and civilians.
In Israel, which is protected by sophisticated air defense systems, there have been 74 civilian deaths, including 31 soldiers.
The ceasefire discussions have also included active US mediation, with Israeli and Lebanese representatives reportedly exchanging draft agreements via US envoy Amos Hochstein.
The proposed terms would see Hezbollah’s withdrawal north of the Litani River while the Israeli military's repositioning along the international border, as reported by Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammad Afif said that in spite of the involvement of "Washington, Moscow, Tehran, and other capitals", there is still no timeline or concrete plan.
“I believe that we are still in the phase of testing the waters and presenting initial ideas and proactive discussions, but so far there is nothing actual yet but so far there is nothing actual yet," he said.
As of 3pm local time, the Israeli military reported 75 projectiles crossing into Israeli territory on Monday while operations in Lebanon continued at full pace.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said that, while these destabilizing efforts have so far been thwarted by Iranian security forces, there is a continued need for strengthened vigilance and heightened security efforts across the country.
"Today, the enemy is working harder than ever to disrupt internal security and create instability in the country through acts like terrorism,” Ejei said, adding that psychological security has also come under threat.
Iran's ruling establishment frequently emphasizes threats from foreign enemies, typically pointing to Israel and the United States. At times, government shortcomings and public discontent over restrictions or economic hardship are attributed to foreign propaganda.
He warned that external forces are attempting to distract citizens with trivial matters, diverting attention from significant national issues.
"To counter this plot, we need the vigilance of all officials and the general public. Some individuals, out of carelessness, play into the enemy’s hands and, even with good intentions, inadvertently contribute to undermining the psychological security of the people."
Supreme Leader appoints the head of the Judiciary, who controls both prosecutors, courts and judges. There is no independent judiciary in Iran.
Ejei said that those contributing to societal insecurity, whether through careless actions or intentional misconduct, will face decisive legal action if necessary.
“Some, either out of carelessness or due to misidentifying the issues, take actions that disrupt the psychological security of society. These individuals should first be warned, and if necessary, swift legal measures will be taken.”
His remarks come as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier commented on national security, advising decision-makers to pay closer attention to online content.
“Not everything should be shared in cyberspace, and the public should not be made to feel fear and anxiety,” Khamenei said.
As part of this focus, Iran’s Criminal Content Determination Task Force recently deemed support for or legitimization of Israel in cyberspace a criminal act. The regulation also criminalizes providing services to Israeli platforms and facilitating Iranian citizens’ travel to Israel through online means.
Ejei’s comments reflect the growing role of social media and the internet in Iran. Over the past decade, platforms have played a central role in organizing and amplifying grassroots protests, most notably during the December 2017 protests, the November 2019 demonstrations, and the 2022 Mahsa movement. Despite government efforts to control the flow of information, social media remains an influential tool for citizens to share information globally.
In authoritarian systems, governments may use online platforms to identify and repress protesters, a risk that has been recognized in recent reports by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran.
In an interview with UN Web TV, the rapporteur highlighted ongoing restrictions on freedoms, reporting that human rights defenders and journalists in Iran are being threatened, and in some cases, detained.
The judiciary’s approach, as indicated by Ejei, appears focused on cracking down on internal dissent, while Iranians rely on social media platforms more than ever.
