Netanyahu Demands Full Dismantling of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his firm demand that Iran’s entire nuclear infrastructure must be dismantled, coinciding with ongoing indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran. His remarks add fresh tension to diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving nuclear agreements and preventing regional escalation.
Speaking at a policy conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu emphasized that any credible deal must mirror the model adopted with Libya in 2003, where the country’s nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile programs were entirely eliminated. He stressed that Iran must not retain any capability for uranium enrichment, ballistic missile development, or any infrastructure that could enable future weaponization.
Iran Nuclear Talks Face Renewed Tensions
Netanyahu’s comments come as the United States and Iran have completed three rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, focusing on ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. The ongoing dialogue reportedly explores pathways where Iran would be allowed to pursue peaceful nuclear energy while remaining free from nuclear weapons capabilities, in exchange for relief from certain economic sanctions.
While Oman and other intermediaries are optimistic about reaching a framework that balances nuclear non-proliferation with Iran’s sovereign rights, Israel remains highly skeptical. Netanyahu made it clear that partial agreements would not be acceptable and insisted on a complete rollback of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Netanyahu Iran Stance Collides with Diplomatic Efforts
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded strongly to Netanyahu’s demands, asserting Iran’s sovereign rights to its defense and nuclear programs. He warned that any military aggression against Iran would be met with immediate and severe retaliation, escalating fears of a wider regional conflict.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, military action appears unlikely in the immediate term. Reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump has conveyed to Netanyahu that the United States is currently not prepared to support any military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities, favoring diplomatic channels to resolve the tensions.
As indirect negotiations continue, the geopolitical environment around Iran’s nuclear program remains volatile. Both Israel’s security concerns and Iran’s strategic ambitions will heavily influence the outcome of talks, with significant consequences for regional stability in the Middle East.
