Netanyahu Warns Iran Developing ICBM Capability That Could Reach U.S. Cities

In an interview with U.S. political commentator Ben Shapiro on Monday (Oct. 6), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran is developing intercontinental-range missiles capable of putting major American cities — including New York, Boston, Washington and Miami — within reach of a nuclear strike.

“Iran is gaining the capability to hold any American city hostage,” Netanyahu said. “People don’t want to believe it, but Iran is building missiles with a range of 8,000 kilometers — add another 3,000 kilometers and they can reach the U.S. East Coast.” He added that Iran’s chants calling for “death to America” make any Iranian possession of nuclear weapons “extremely dangerous,” and said Israel is working continuously to counter that threat.

Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s close defense cooperation with the United States, claiming joint development of advanced offensive systems that he said few other powers possess. He credited Israeli intelligence with helping to thwart terrorist plots abroad, saying Israel had prevented planned aircraft hijackings by ISIS and other militant groups.

On the Gaza war, Netanyahu asserted that an end to the conflict is “close,” but argued that victory is impossible while Hamas remains in power. “What began in Gaza will end in Gaza — through the freeing of our 46 hostages and the removal of Hamas rule,” he said, portraying Israel as the dominant military power in the region while stressing that its mission remains unfinished.

Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened regional tensions over Iran’s missile and nuclear programs and ongoing international debate about the appropriate balance of deterrence, diplomacy and defense cooperation.