IDF says it’s planning for at least 3 more weeks of Iran operation

 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday said it’s planning to continue strikes on Iran for at least three more weeks.

“We have thousands of targets ahead,” IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told CNN. 

“We are ready, in coordination with our U.S. allies, with plans through at least the Jewish holiday of Passover, about three weeks from now. And we have deeper plans for even three weeks beyond that,” he added.

On Saturday, the IDF attacked the research center of the Iranian Space Agency and an aerial defense system production factory. 

“We are not waiting. We are initiating, we are attacking, and we are doing so with force,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during Thursday remarks. 

Iran has vowed to retaliate against the U.S. and Israel for the unexpected wave of strikes.

“Iran has neither sought a truce nor talks. Such claims are delusional,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on the social platform X.

“Our Powerful Armed Forces will keep firing until POTUS realizes that the illegal war he’s imposing on both Americans and Iranians is wrong and must never be repeated. Victims must also be compensated,” he added.

Earlier this month, President Trump said the U.S. plans to continue strikes for “four to five weeks.”

U.S. and Israeli strikes have taken out dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders and have killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

While neither Israel nor the U.S. has put boots on the ground in Iran, Trump has not ruled out the option. 

On Saturday, the president told reporters Operation Epic Fury in Iran will continue for “as long as it’s necessary.”

Amid the conflict, top administration officials are working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway controlled by Iran that oil manufacturers use to transport more than a fifth of the world’s oil supply daily.

“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are.”

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5785304-idf-at-least-3-more-weeks-iran-operation/