Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday demanded the full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, warning that any lesser agreement would endanger Israel’s security. His comments came as US-Iran negotiations showed progress following a third round of indirect talks in Oman.
Speaking at a policy conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu insisted Iran must not be allowed to enrich uranium or retain the ability to do so. “Dismantle all the infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear program. That is a deal we can live with,” he declared, cautioning that a weak deal would allow Tehran to simply wait out President Trump’s term before resuming its nuclear pursuits.
In contrast, President Trump expressed optimism, suggesting a diplomatic agreement was likely and preferable to military action. “We’ll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place,” Trump said.
Despite Trump’s assurances, Israeli officials remain skeptical. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer reportedly pressed US officials to consider “bunker buster” strikes on Iran’s fortified nuclear sites if talks fail. Israel fears the US may accept a deal that falls short of fully neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
At the center of the dispute is uranium enrichment: while US officials hint at allowing a limited Iranian civilian program without enrichment, Tehran’s leaders insist enrichment is “non-negotiable.”
As negotiations head toward a fourth round, Netanyahu reiterated that for Israel, a flawed agreement would be more dangerous than no deal at all.
