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Israel says Operation Riding Lion removed Iranian "existential" threats and announces ceasefire coordinated with U.S.
Summary
At a U.N. press briefing, Israel's ambassador said Operation Riding Lion struck Iran's strategic sites, removed what he described as a "double existential threat," and that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire in coordination with the United States; the ambassador said diplomacy is expected to follow.
At a U.N. press briefing, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Donon, said Operation Riding Lion removed a “double existential threat” posed by Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles and that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire in coordination with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Donon framed the announcement as both a military and diplomatic turning point, saying the Israel Defense Forces achieved "complete air superiority over Iran, struck a severe blow to Iran's military leadership, and dismantled dozens of the regime's key strategic sites." He added, "Our forces acted with precision, resolve, and restraint." The ambassador also said four civilians were killed in Beersheba the previous night and described those deaths as "a reminder of the evil we faced."
The ambassador said the ceasefire was reached "in full coordination with president Trump" and that "we hope to see a ceasefire also in Gaza," referencing an existing proposal he attributed to Ambassador Whitkov. When asked about follow-up, Donon said diplomacy would follow the military action: "Because diplomacy failed, we had to act ... I think, yes, we will have to, speak and negotiate and and make sure that we will not repeat" the recent threat. He said talks were "too early" to describe in detail but added he believed they "will happen soon."
Donon declined to say he had direct contact with Iran's U.N. representative and said he did not think a U.N. Security Council resolution was necessary at this time, though he left open the possibility of future U.N. involvement. Responding to an assertion by Iranian officials that the conflict was a victory for the Islamic Republic, Donon called that claim unfounded and said the Iranian people would judge their government on the outcome.
On regional diplomacy, Donon said Israel had "seen the seismic impact of the Abraham Accords" and expressed optimism that more countries would pursue normalization with Israel, citing existing agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco and longstanding treaties with Egypt and Jordan.
He also told reporters that a separate item, the renewal of UNIFEM, would be discussed in August and that Israel would consult partners and commanders on that matter.
The ambassador's statements were delivered in response to multiple reporter questions. He attributed the military operation's results to Israeli and U.S. action and said further diplomatic steps were anticipated but declined to provide a timetable or detailed plans.
