Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar said on Monday that after Lionel Messi wins the World Cup, something will begin in Iran. The remark, posted via his channel, echoes his long-standing hawkish positions on Iran, though the specific meaning and timeframe of the statement remain unclear.
Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar (Likud) posted a brief statement on his the source Monday afternoon: "After Messi wins the World Cup — something will begin in Iran." The remark is the latest in a series of Zohar's hawkish statements on Iran that The Zioneer has tracked since early June, spanning calls for an offensive strategy, warnings against the nuclear program, and comments on the overnight Israeli strikes on Iran.
Zohar did not specify what he expects to start in Iran, nor the timeline — the next FIFA World Cup is scheduled for 2026, with the final in July. The minister's phrasing also does not clarify whether he is referring to a domestic development in Iran or an Israeli or regional action. As of publication, no further elaboration from the minister has been reported.
Zohar has been one of the most outspoken Israeli cabinet members on the Iranian threat. Last week he said Iran's demand for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon will not materialize, and earlier this month he stated that Israel would strike Iran with great force. The current post is shorter and more enigmatic than his typical statements.
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