Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar has said the ongoing war with Iran will continue until Israel and the United States jointly decide the time is right to end the conflict. Speaking in Jerusalem during a meeting with Germany’s foreign minister, Saar declined to provide a specific timeline for when hostilities might conclude. The war between Israel and Iran, which began with coordinated strikes involving the United States, has now entered its second week and continues to escalate across several areas of the Middle East. Officials say military operations will proceed until strategic objectives linked to Iran’s military capabilities are achieved.
The conflict has intensified regional instability as fighting spreads beyond Iran’s borders. Iranian forces and allied groups have launched missile attacks in response to the strikes, while clashes involving Israel and Hezbollah have increased along the Lebanese frontier. Israeli military officials confirmed that additional airstrikes were carried out in Tehran targeting facilities linked to what they describe as Iran’s military and missile infrastructure. At the same time Iran has continued launching missiles toward Israeli territory, indicating that despite sustained strikes the country retains the ability to respond militarily.
Israeli leaders say the primary goal of the operation is to significantly weaken Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which Israel views as a long term security threat. Saar stated that the government intends to remove what it describes as existential risks posed Iran’s weapons development and regional influence. He emphasized that Israel is coordinating closely with Washington on military and diplomatic strategy, noting that decisions about the duration of the war would be made in consultation with the United States. The foreign minister also said Israel does not intend to pursue an indefinite conflict but aims to secure lasting strategic results.
Statements from United States officials have offered mixed signals about the possible timeline for the war. US President Donald Trump recently indicated that the conflict might end soon but also suggested that it would not conclude within the current week. Analysts say such uncertainty reflects the rapidly evolving situation on the ground and the difficulty of predicting how Iran may respond to continued military pressure. Military planners are believed to be assessing the extent of damage to Iran’s missile facilities and nuclear related infrastructure before determining the next phase of operations.
Diplomatic discussions have continued alongside the military campaign as European governments attempt to evaluate possible paths toward de escalation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Israel in what marked the first high level foreign visit since the conflict began. During meetings with Israeli officials he expressed confidence that both Israel and the United States remained open to a diplomatic solution if certain conditions were met. However he noted that any agreement would likely require Iran to address concerns related to its nuclear program, ballistic missile development and support for regional armed groups.
Israeli officials have also called for stronger international pressure on Tehran. Saar urged governments around the world to consider cutting diplomatic ties with Iran as part of efforts to isolate the country politically. Israeli leaders argue that reducing Iran’s international connections could limit its ability to support regional allies and sustain military operations. At the same time many countries have expressed concern about the broader implications of the conflict for regional stability and global energy markets.
The conflict has already had significant geopolitical consequences beyond the immediate battlefield. Rising tensions have affected global oil markets and increased uncertainty across financial markets as governments and investors monitor developments in the region. Military sources indicate that Israel’s armed forces aim to inflict substantial damage on Iranian military infrastructure while the current operational window remains open. Observers say the ultimate direction of the conflict may depend on how both sides calculate the costs and risks of further escalation in the coming weeks.
