Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Claims Iran Holds Chemical Weapons and Remains a Nuclear Threat Amid Ongoing Conflict
7/10/2026, 4:03:51 PM
Core Event
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Iran “definitely has chemical weapons” and that recent Israeli-U.S. operations have pushed back Iran’s nuclear weapons program, but the threat persists. Speaking on Newsmax’s *The Record With Greta Van Susteren* on July 7, 2026, he warned that Iran could rebuild its capabilities if left unchecked and emphasized that the war with Tehran “has not ended.”
Background & Context
In late February 2026 Israel and the United States launched Operation Roaring Lion/Epic Fury, a series of airstrikes aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear and ballistic-missile infrastructure. Netanyahu claimed the campaign killed more than 3,000 Iranians, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. assets. A Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on June 17, 2026, to halt hostilities, but U.S. President Donald Trump declared the MOU “over” on July 8, 2026, reigniting military confrontation.
Key Figures & Groups
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister of Israel, primary spokesperson on the issue.
- Donald Trump – Former U.S. President, whose decision to join the 2026 operation Netanyahu cites as crucial.
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – Iran’s elite military force, described by Netanyahu as “tottering” after the strikes.
- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) – Public Affairs office noted the lack of trust in Iran’s June 17 MOU.
Data & Statistics
- Iran’s population: ? 90 million; Netanyahu claims ? 80 % oppose the regime.
- Reported civilian deaths: over 40,000 Iranians allegedly murdered while praying for liberty (Netanyahu’s claim).
- Casualties from the February strikes: > 3,000 Iranians, including senior leadership.
- Iran’s alleged chemical-weapons non-compliance cited by the U.S. State Department (referenced but not detailed).
Why It Matters
Netanyahu argues that Iran’s possession of chemical weapons and its ballistic-missile capability pose an existential danger to both Israel and the United States. He likens the situation to excising cancer, warning that a resurgence could endanger “every single American.” The ongoing conflict threatens regional stability across the Middle East, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Official Statements & Responses
- Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s pre-emptive strikes “pushed that immediate threat away” and that “the Iranian terrorist regime has suffered a very severe blow.”
- CENTCOM’s public affairs officer reiterated Netanyahu’s view that Iran is “totally untrustworthy” regarding the June 17 MOU.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Iran’s “money machines” have been crippled, reducing the IRGC’s financial base.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting statements or independent verification of the chemical-weapons claim appear in the provided sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We went to that because Iran was on the verge of making nuclear weapons. We pushed that immediate threat away,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “They definitely have chemical weapons,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “The war has not ended. There are new challenges,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “The Iranian terrorist regime has suffered a very severe blow - and our policy is clear: with or without a deal - Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “They murdered and maimed over 40,000 Iranians who are praying for their liberty.” — Benjamin Netanyahu
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The claim of 40,000 civilian deaths lacks independent corroboration; other sources only cite the > 3,000 fatalities from the February strikes.
- No external evidence is provided to substantiate the existence of Iranian chemical weapons beyond Netanyahu’s statements and a prior U.S. State Department allegation.
What’s Next
Netanyahu indicated that “new plans” are “on the drawing board” and that “major operations are still expected.” With the U.S. MOU declared void, both Israel and the United States appear poised for further military actions against Iran.
