Netanyahu says Israel met 'all objectives' in Iran operation before truce

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel achieved "all of the objectives" in its military campaign against Iran before agreeing to a ceasefire.

According to a government statement, Netanyahu convened a late-night meeting with his cabinet, the defence minister, and the Mossad chief, where he reported that "Operation Rising Lion" had reached its goals - and beyond.

"Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat – both in the nuclear and ballistic missile fields," the statement said.

The Israeli military, Netanyahu claimed, "achieved full air control over Tehran’s skies, inflicted severe damage on the military leadership, and destroyed dozens of central Iranian government targets".

"In light of the achievement of the operation’s objectives, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel has agreed to the president’s proposal for a bilateral ceasefire," the statement added, warning that Israel would "respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire".