Very clear goals: IDF says strikes on Iran to continue until objectives are met

UPDATED: Apr 7, 2026 20:09 IST

In the midst of the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has signalled that its ongoing offensive against Iran has significantly degraded key capabilities but is still far from over, with strikes set to continue as part of “Operation Roaring Lion”.

Speaking to India Today TV, Lieutenant Ben Cohen, deputy international spokesperson for the IDF, said the campaign is focused on dismantling Iran’s military infrastructure and will not stop until those objectives are met. “We have very clear goals, and we’re gonna keep going until we’ve achieved them,” he said.

TARGETING IRAN’S MILITARY CAPABILITIES

Cohen said that “Operation Roaring Lion,” launched by Israel in coordination with the United States, is aimed at neutralising what he described as an “existential threat” posed by Iran. The operation focusses on dismantling Iran’s military infrastructure, including its ballistic missile programme, weapons manufacturing capacity, and command-and-control systems.

According to Cohen, significant progress has already been made over the past month. He claimed that Israeli and allied forces have achieved “aerial superiority” over Iran and have struck thousands of targets. Notably, he said, more than 70% of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers have been disabled, alongside sustained strikes on missile stockpiles and manufacturing sites.

Despite these gains, Cohen made it clear that the mission is ongoing. “When we get that directive that we’re at that goal, we’ll stop. But right now, we’re going to keep going,” he said.

RAIL NETWORK WARNING AND CIVILIAN RISKS

The IDF’s recent advisory warning Iranian civilians to avoid rail networks after 9 pm has raised questions about potential targeting of civilian infrastructure. Cohen defended the move by emphasising what he described as the IDF’s policy of advance warnings.

“We give up the element of surprise because we’re evacuating the population,” he said, adding that Israel’s war is “not against Iranian civilians” but against the Iranian regime.

While he did not directly confirm whether rail systems would be targeted, Cohen maintained that all strikes are directed solely at military objectives. He argued that civilian infrastructure can become legitimate targets if used for military purposes, accusing Iran of embedding its operations within such facilities.

NOT ABOUT NUMBERS: IDF ON CIVILIAN CASUALTIES

Responding to concerns about disproportionate casualties, Cohen rejected comparisons based on numbers alone. He said Israel takes steps such as evacuation warnings and defensive systems to protect civilians, while accusing Iran of targeting civilian areas and embedding military assets within populated zones.

Referring to a recent Iranian strike in Israel's Haifa, he said a ballistic missile hit a residential building, killing four civilians. “It’s just a civilian home that’s their strategy,” he said.

NO CLARITY ON SPECIFIC TARGETS

On questions regarding potential high-profile targets, including figures within Iran’s leadership, Cohen avoided specifics but reiterated that Israel’s focus remains on government and military command structures.

He stressed that each target undergoes legal scrutiny to assess its military value and potential civilian impact, insisting that operations adhere to international law.

With no clear timeline for the end of hostilities, the IDF’s messaging suggests a prolonged campaign, anchored in its stated objective of dismantling Iran’s military capabilities.

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