Iran Says Israeli Election Won’t Change Policy

Israelis are voting in a closely watched election that could remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though a fragmented result may leave no bloc with the 61 Knesset seats needed to govern and prolong coalition talks or trigger another election. Netanyahu has cited his experience confronting Iran, while opponents say new leadership could handle the threats more responsibly; analysts and regional residents expect limited near-term policy change regardless of the outcome. Iran says Israel’s election will not change its policy toward Israel, has dismissed Netanyahu’s calls to overthrow its government as empty threats, and says it is prepared to defend itself. Amid heightened regional tensions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said regional security should be managed by countries in the region and signaled strategic changes in the Strait of Hormuz, as regional security talks were reportedly being prepared in Tehran. The U.N. nuclear chief said there is no indication Iran has rebuilt nuclear facilities damaged in U.S. and Israeli strikes, while pressing Tehran to grant inspectors access to all sites. Oil prices have eased slightly on hopes of a resolution to the war, but attacks on Saudi Arabia and earlier strikes on shipping continue to fuel regional supply concerns.