Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that Israel and the United States together are controlling Iran’s skies and targeting more than 2,500 military targets. In a special conversation with IANS, he also expressed hope that there can be a change of regime in Iran.
Reuven Azar said that Israel has neutralized and blocked most of the missiles coming towards its country. Israel, like India, wants peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel.
IANS: How is the situation in Israel at present after the major attacks on Iran?
Reuven Azar: The situation is that we are facing attacks in Israel and most of the missiles and drones coming from Iran are being stopped. Besides, the attacks carried out by Hezbollah in the north since last night were also stopped. At present, Israel, together with the United States, controls the skies over Iran and is targeting more than 2,500 military targets. Unfortunately, yesterday nine civilians were killed and approximately 50 people were injured in Beit Shemensh due to a direct hit by a ballistic missile. The positive side is that we have neutralized most of the missiles coming towards our country.
IANS: Do you think there can be regime change in Iran?
Reuven Azar: We certainly hope so. I believe it depends on the Iranian people. There is no doubt that millions of Iranians expressed their desire for regime change during the protests a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, we witnessed the cruelty and heartlessness of the Iranian regime, killing thousands of innocent civilians. Now, through these attacks, we are not only reducing the Iranian regime’s ability to attack us, but we are also targeting several headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards. Hopefully, the Iranian people will have the confidence to go back to the streets and demand the change they deserve.
IANS: What is your next challenge in Iran after the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei?
Reuven Azar: The challenge is to continue to reduce military capabilities so that a situation is created in which Iran is no longer able to attack Israel and other countries in the region and American bases, a situation in which the remaining leadership that is still alive understands that they have to change course, because if they do not do so, they will be next in line.
IANS: How do you see Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in the current scenario?
Reuven Azar: We greatly appreciate Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, especially his recent visit to Israel, in which he witnessed the warmth between the Indian and Israeli peoples. Our relations are based not only on interests but also on values ​​and shared heritage. This is a historic milestone in our relations. We feel that India is a reliable partner and we, like India, want peace, stability and prosperity in our region. We are confident that we will be able to engage again in positive activities in the future, as the threats coming from the Iranian regime are being neutralized.
IANS: Can ground action also take place in Iran?
Reuven Azar: At this time Israel is taking air action. Limited action may be required to remove a particular threat, but I am not aware of any plan to send in large-scale ground troops.
IANS: What was your first reaction to the attack on the oil tanker by Iran?
Reuven Azar: I believe that the tension that Iran has created will ultimately go against them. Targeting civilian targets, including the UAE, Bahrain and other regional countries, is completely unnecessary. They are trying to disrupt the oil trade, but I think it will fail. As this military campaign continues, their capabilities will weaken and they will not be able to create that chaos. There will be a reduction in stress in the coming days or weeks.
