The Israeli ambassador to South Korea, Rafael Harpaz, held a press conference where he emphasized the need for preemptive military action against Iran, citing concerns over the country's nuclear threats and radical Islamic ideology. He argued that Iran's regime, which combines both elements, poses a significant danger not only to Israel but also to regional and global stability. Harpaz further commented that the ultimate goal of such an operation would be to empower the Iranian people to break free from what he referred to as years of tyranny.

During the press conference, Harpaz highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that should the international community wait much longer, Iran could achieve a nuclear capability that would render it beyond the reach of even the strongest military options available. He referred to last year's conflict, dubbed the 'June 12 War', which involved U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, and suggested that if left unchecked, Iran might mimic North Korea's trajectory towards becoming a nuclear power. He recalled the lessons from North Korea's nuclear development process, which remained unchecked in the 1990s prior to the first North Korean nuclear crisis.

Harpaz's statements reflect Israel's increasing concern over Iran's nuclear ambitions as well as its desire to preemptively act to prevent a repetition of North Korea's situation. Drawing historical parallels with appeasement policies of the 1930s, he emphasized the potential catastrophic outcomes of inaction. The remarks signal Israel's readiness to take action and underscore the high stakes involved in addressing Iran's nuclear capabilities, reminding the international community of the continuing threat posed by oppressive regimes when they obtain such weapons.