Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Prime Minister Netanyahu contended that “in the Middle East, there is no threat that is more serious, more dangerous, more pressing than that posed by the fanatical regime in Iran”. He further noted that “Iran continues to support terrorists around the world… threatening civilians everywhere. Iran has never given up its quest for nuclear weapons and the missiles to deliver them, and Iran consistently – consistently and outrageously calls for Israel’s annihilation and works towards that goal”. Netanyahu went on to declare that “my policy as prime minister of Israel is clear: I will never allow Iran to obtain the nuclear capability to carry out its genocidal goal of eliminating Israel, and Israel will continue to defend itself against Iran’s aggression and terrorism”. In turn, Secretary Austin remarked that “the close and strong ties that we enjoy with Israel are central to regional stability and security in the Middle East, and we both agree that we must continue to work closely together to enhance the U.S.-Israel strategic partnership”.