Manila: The joint military operation conducted by Israel and the United States against Iran is set to continue until there is a change in the Iranian regime, which Israel's Ambassador to the Philippines, Dana Kursh, claims is intent on annihilating Israel. Kursh shared these insights during a discussion with reporters in Taguig City on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ambassador Kursh expressed satisfaction with the removal of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from power, although she cautioned that he had left behind numerous successors. Kursh emphasized the importance of preventing any leadership from the previous regime from continuing actions deemed harmful not only to Israel's security but also to global safety.

The envoy outlined that the U.S.-Israeli military strikes would persist until three primary objectives are met: halting Iran's nuclear weapons program, ceasing its production of long-range ballistic missiles, and ending its financial support to 'terror proxies' in the Middle East. Kursh stated that only after achieving these goals, ensuring the Iranian regime is dismantled and its nuclear capabilities are neutralized, can the operations cease, allowing for the possibility of peace and stability in the region.

The escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, which has now spread to several Middle Eastern countries, has led to over 1,400 repatriation requests from Filipinos residing in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Iran, and Israel. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured that Philippine embassies, alongside labor and defense attach©s, are maintaining close contact with Filipino communities in the affected areas and are coordinating with host governments for advice and assistance.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has previously expressed the Philippines' concerns over the rising tensions in the Middle East. She urged all parties involved to immediately engage in dialogue and negotiations to restore peace and stability in the region.