Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that Israeli strikes have killed a top Iranian nuclear scientist and hit several others, delivering a blow to Tehran's nuclear program.

Netanyahu announced during his first news conference since the war with Iran intensified, emphasizing Israel's efforts to dismantle what it views as Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. He also revealed that Israel recently struck a nuclear facility in Iran, which had been previously destroyed in an airstrike in October 2024 but showed signs of restoration based on satellite imagery.

The remarks came as the United States and Israel continued their campaign against Iran, which began with widespread strikes on February 28, 2026. The joint operations have targeted Iran's leadership, military infrastructure, ballistic missile capabilities, and nuclear sites, though they have not yet achieved the regime change sought by U.S. President Donald Trump. The first week of the conflict cost the U.S. $11.3 billion, according to Pentagon figures, with up to 3.2 million people displaced in Iran and 800,000 in Lebanon due to strikes on Hezbollah-linked sites.

In his address, Netanyahu criticized Iran's new supreme leader as a "puppet of the Revolutionary Guards" who avoids public appearances. He spoke directly to the Iranian people, stating, "We are creating the optimal conditions for the fall of the regime. But at the end of the day, it depends on you. It is in your hands." He described the moment as an opportunity for a "new path of freedom."

As Netanyahu spoke, the Israeli military reported detecting a fresh barrage of Iranian missiles aimed at Israel. Early Friday morning, one Iranian missile struck a residential area in northern Israel, captured on video, though casualty details were not immediately available.

The conflict traces back to escalating tensions, including prior Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets in June 2025, where several scientists were killed. No names have been disclosed for the latest reported deaths. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has indicated a flexible approach to rules of engagement in the war.

Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and U.S. assets, including strikes on residential areas, amid reports of funerals for top Iranian commanders killed earlier in the week. Oil prices remain above $100 per barrel as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruptions.

The war has drawn international concern over humanitarian impacts and regional stability, with ongoing strikes reported across the Middle East.