Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel has effectively won its war with Iran, describing the country as 'dramatically weakened' after more than two weeks of fighting. He said the campaign would continue until Israel removes what he called existential threats, though he did not specify how the government would determine when those objectives had been achieved.

The war, which began on February 28 with joint United States and Israeli strikes, has killed more than 2,000 people across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and the Gulf region. Israel says it has targeted Iran's ballistic missile launchers, weapons facilities, nuclear-linked sites, and security forces, while also aiming to weaken Tehran's long-term ability to attack Israel.

Despite Saar's declaration of victory, Iran continued firing missiles at Israel, underscoring its remaining military capabilities. The conflict has expanded across the region, including fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian strikes on Gulf Arab states.

Iran has also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, driving up energy prices and raising inflation concerns. Some United States allies have hesitated to support a proposed naval mission to secure the waterway, calling for greater clarity on objectives before committing forces.