Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren told Newsmax that the Iranian regime has targeted Israel for destruction "since 1979."
Oren told "The Record With Greta Van Susteren" that Israel's military strikes against Iran that began Thursday will hopefully end that struggle. He said, "People forget that this regime has been in power since 1979, and since the day it took over in Tehran, it has sworn to destroy my country."
In a compelling appearance with Van Susteren, the former ambassador said he and his family were in a bomb shelter as incoming missiles fired by Iran could be heard exploding.
Oren said Iran not only wants to destroy Israel, but it also wants to take down the U.S. "It's sworn to destroy your country as well," he said, "but it's taken many, many efforts to try to realize that vision by supporting terrorist groups."
Oren said Israelis will never forget the impact of the terror campaign that has "killed hundreds, in some cases thousands, of Israelis, terrorist actions around the world against Israeli, American, and Jewish targets."
The overriding issue now, he said, is Iran working to create a nuclear weapon, "which has one purpose and one purpose only, and that's to wipe us off the map, and that context is very, very important."
President Donald Trump told Iranian leaders Friday they faced "even more brutal attacks" by Israel if they continued to hold back from a deal to end production of materials to build nuclear weapons. Trump said it was time for negotiations to resume.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight’s special series and President Trump’s comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.