Katz says Iranian regime is at its weakest point ever

The claim comes as Israeli jets drill near the Iranian border and any renewed operation is expected to wait until after the Israeli and US midterms.

The remark adds to a run of statements from Israeli and US officials describing Tehran as degraded, including President Trump's description of Iran as "systematically destroyed" on October 18. Katz gave no further evidence or timeline for the claim.

Israeli fighter jets have been exercising in Iraqi airspace near the Iranian border. Netanyahu and Trump discussed eliminating Iran's regime in a call on Monday. Reporting indicates any renewed Israeli operation is likely to wait until after the Israeli and US midterms, which suggests Katz's comment reflects posture rather than an imminent strike.

Iran's currency is collapsing amid the standoff. Treasury Secretary Bessent says Iran's economy is nearing a non-linear break as panic sets in. Iran's foreign minister Araghchi says the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within six days if US demands ease, while Iran's foreign ministry says "excessive" US demands are hindering negotiations. Secretary of State Rubio says what Iran is doing against commercial ships has not been seen before.

Oil has moved on the standoff: the United States Oil Fund rose 1.58% in pre-market trade on October 21 to $163.15 after Iran denied progress in talks. The gap between confident public messaging from Israeli officials and the election-driven delay in any operation remains unresolved.