"In this brutal summer heat, you don't even have clean, cold water to give your children. Such hypocrisy. Such disdain for the Iranian people. To live like this is not fair to you. It's not fair to your children," Netanyahu attacked the regime.

Video: PM Netanyahu speaks to the Iranians about water / Credit: GPO

Netanyahu, who launched Operation Rising Lion in June to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, contrasted Iran's struggles with Israel's achievements in water management. He proudly declared, "Israel is the #1 recycler of water in the world. We recycle 90% of our waste-water. And we lead the world in desalination." He recalled launching a Telegram channel in Farsi nearly a decade ago to share water management techniques, which attracted 100,000 Iranians almost immediately. This, he said, reflects both Iran's thirst for water and its people's yearning for freedom.

Netanyahu painted a vivid picture of a revitalized Iran, free from tyranny. He invited Iranians to imagine water skiing on the Karaj Dam, strolling along a restored Farahzad river, and seeing lush trees in Niavaran and Darband. He also spoke of reviving Urmia lake, a once-stunning natural wonder in northwest Iran. These visions, he argued, are achievable with Israel's expertise, which would be shared the moment Iran achieves freedom. "The moment your country is free, Israel's top water experts will flood into every Iranian city bringing cutting-edge technology and know-how." He added, "Well, all of this is not a dream. This can be your reality. But instead of making this a reality, your dictators impose tyranny and poverty upon you - just as they impose war on us," Netanyahu lamented. "For 46 years, you have been denied the most basic human rights. The right to express yourselves freely. To write, speak and sing whatever you please."

Netanyahu condemned Iran's regime for prioritizing foreign conflicts over domestic needs. Netanyahu asserted that Tehran's leaders have squandered hundreds of billions of dollars on groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, neglecting hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. He decried the regime's repression, holding up books by Iranian dissidents forced to publish abroad as evidence of stifled voices. "You, the descendants of Cyrus the Great, deserve much more," he said.

In a call to action, Netanyahu urged Iranians to take to the streets, demand justice, and protest tyranny. He assured them of global support, stating, "I stand with you. Israel stands with you. The entire free world stands with you."

"Take to the streets. Demand justice. Demand accountability. Protest tyranny. Build a better future for your families and for all Iranians. Do not let these fanatic mullahs ruin your lives for a minute longer," Netanyahu said.

PM Netanyahu to the people of Iran:
As our founding father, Theodor Herzl, said of the Jewish state, "If you will it, it is no dream"

And I say to you, "if you will it, a free Iran is no dream."
Now is the time for action.
Now is the time to fight for freedom.

Iran Baraye Irani pic.twitter.com/0piWqVO8EJ

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 12, 2025

He further made a prediction that the "cruel, callous, and cowardly" regime in Tehran will not last long, promising a future where Iran's economy thrives, water flows abundantly, and children live joyously. Quoting Theodor Herzl, he concluded, "If you will it, it is no dream," adapting the phrase to inspire Iranians: "Iran Baraye Irani" – Iran for Iranians.

The post Take to the streets: PM vows to help Iranians get water once freed appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

In a pivotal election that could signal a change in Iran's political landscape, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has emerged victorious in the country's presidential race, according to CNN reporting. The electoral authority announced on July 6 that Pezeshkian secured 53.6% of the 30.5 million votes counted in Friday's runoff, defeating his ultraconservative rival, Saeed Jalili, who garnered 44.3% of the ballots.

The election, which saw a turnout of 49.8%, marks the lowest voter participation for a presidential election since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. This second round of voting followed an initial round where Pezeshkian secured the highest number of ballots.

In his victory speech at the burial site of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to the Iranian people and pledged to serve as a "voice of the voiceless." The 69-year-old trained heart surgeon and lawmaker acknowledged the challenges facing the country, calling for unity in what he described as a new chapter for Iran.

During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian advocated for easing certain social restrictions, including removing blanket internet censorship and ending the enforcement of strict dress codes for women. He also expressed support for greater transparency in banking and finance, proposing measures that could potentially lead to Iran's removal from a blacklist maintained by the Financial Action Task Force, a global watchdog for money laundering and terrorist financing.

On foreign policy, Pezeshkian has emphasized the importance of negotiations with Western nations, including the United States. During his campaign, Pezeshkian expressed support for reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. This landmark deal had imposed limitations on Iran's nuclear enrichment activities in return for relief from economic sanctions. However, the agreement collapsed in 2018 when then-US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Khamenei's Kayhan in editorial today claims presidential election revealed 2 blocs in Iran: 1 bloc had 16 million votes, the other 13 million.
(Even if we accept the fake figures, the fact is 68 million were eligible to vote but 39 million didn't, making a 3rd bloc.
The regime

— Amir Taheri (@AmirTaheri4) July 7, 2024

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, congratulated the president-elect and praised the country for swiftly holding "free and transparent elections" following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Khamenei advised Pezeshkian to act "in continuation of the path" of Raisi.

Pezeshkian's victory comes at a crucial time for Iran, as the country faces increasing international isolation, internal discontent, economic challenges, and heightened tensions with Israel. As the only reformist candidate allowed to run after dozens of others were barred, Pezeshkian has advocated for dialogue with Iran's adversaries, particularly regarding its nuclear program.

"The primary issue is the perspective: Do we want to solve our problems with the world or not? I believe we must get out of the deadlock to solve the country's problems," Pezeshkian stated during a presidential debate prior to the second round of voting.

The US State Department, however, maintained a cautious stance, stating that the elections "were not free or fair" and would not significantly impact their approach to Iran. A spokesperson for the department added, "We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran's direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens."

The post What reformist Iranian President Pezeshkian means for the region appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.