Netanyahu Asserts Iran’s Diminished Regional Power, Signals Support for Internal Change
Assessment of Iran’s Capabilities
On December 30, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had achieved a significant strategic outcome by ”degrading Iran” from a “first-rate power” to a “second-rate or third-rate power.” Newsmax reported on this assessment, wich suggests a considerable shift in the regional balance of power as perceived by Israeli leadership.
Netanyahu acknowledged ongoing challenges related to Iran’s network of proxy groups,stating that “there’s still some work to be done with the proxies,but we’re doing it.” This indicates a continued focus on countering Iranian influence throughout the Middle East, even as Iran’s direct capabilities are believed to have been curtailed.
Outlook for Regime Change in Iran
Regarding the potential for political upheaval within Iran,Netanyahu indicated that any change in the Iranian government would originate internally. he emphasized that “if you have a change [in Iran] it will come from within,” JNS reported, adding that Israel “understands what they’re going through, and we’re very sympathetic to them.”
This statement reflects a policy of publicly supporting the Iranian people while maintaining a degree of strategic ambiguity regarding direct involvement in Iranian internal affairs. It suggests a belief that domestic pressures within Iran, possibly including ongoing protests, are the primary drivers of any potential regime change.
