Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used a message addressing the Iranian people and their deepening water crisis on Tuesday to call for regime change and in a TV interview hinted that a war with Tehran is not over.
Netanyahu promised that if Iran “breaks free” from its leadership, Israel would send top water experts to help recycle and desalinate water, restoring rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
“The thirst for water in Iran is only matched by the thirst for freedom,” he said, speaking with a full jug of water on the table as a prop to underscore his point.
“I urge you to be bold and brave … take risks for freedom, for your future, for your families … Take to the streets. Demand justice. Demand accountability. Protest tyranny. Build a better future for your families and for all Iranians,” he added.
In recent weeks, several cities have faced water shutoffs lasting up to 48 hours, while rolling blackouts have compounded the strain in peak summer heat. Key reservoirs are at critically low levels, with some including the Karaj, Lar, and Taleghan dams dramatically depleted compared to last year.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that without immediate cuts to consumption, some dams could run dry by early autumn, deepening what is already a nationwide environmental emergency.
The address comes as Israel faces its own accusations of restricting access to clean water in Gaza — charges Netanyahu denies — and as he remains wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
Hint of unfinished business
In a separate sit-down with Israel’s i24 News, Netanyahu described the June strikes that destroyed key elements of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs as historic and vowed to stop Tehran from rebuilding.
When an i24 reporter asked, “Don’t you sometimes feel like wishing to finish work there?” Netanyahu replied, “Yes, but I won’t go into the details of this. We are following this … with seven eyes … together with our American friends.”
Netanyahu also acknowledged that Iran still retains 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity but said Tehran is not currently in a position to advance its nuclear program.
"They have 400 kilograms left. We knew in advance that it wouldn't be damaged. But it's a necessary condition but not sufficient to produce nuclear bombs."
That assessment stands in contrast to the view of former IAEA deputy chief Olli Heinonen, who told Eye for Iran in a recent interview that this amount of material—if further enriched to weapons-grade—could be enough for about ten nuclear bombs
It could be converted within days in a small, concealed facility if the expertise and equipment remain available, he added.
Netanyahu's predecessor, Naftali Bennett also shared a video message to Iranian people on Tuesday, saying, "Iran has a choice: it can choose to continue war or it can choose peace, the way of working together.
