Netanyahu Renews Calls for Iran to Dismantle Nuclear Program Amid Ongoing U.S.-Iran Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated demands for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, even as indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
The United States and Iran have already conducted three rounds of indirect talks, brokered by Oman, aiming to reach an agreement that would block Iran from developing nuclear weapons while gradually lifting U.S.-imposed economic sanctions.
After meetings in Rome earlier this month, Oman indicated that progress was being made towards a framework that would ensure Iran remains free of nuclear arms, while still allowing the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Speaking from Jerusalem, Netanyahu emphasized that only an arrangement similar to Libya’s 2003 disarmament deal — where Tripoli gave up its nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile capabilities — would be acceptable for Israel.
Israeli officials have consistently stated they will take necessary measures to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a stance Netanyahu firmly reiterated.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded defiantly, rejecting any external influence over Tehran’s foreign policy. Writing on X, Araghchi condemned Netanyahu’s interference in U.S. diplomatic efforts, saying, “It is astonishing how openly Netanyahu is trying to dictate President Trump’s approach to Iran.”
Araghchi also warned that Iran would retaliate swiftly if subjected to any military attack.
Despite Israel’s mounting pressure, U.S. officials reportedly remain hesitant to endorse military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities at this time.
Netanyahu also urged President Trump to ensure any new agreement addresses Iran’s ballistic missile program — an issue that remains a significant hurdle in the negotiations.
Iranian sources previously told Reuters that Tehran considers its missile capabilities essential for national defense and a cornerstone of its foreign policy.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated sharply since 2024, after Iran launched drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles at Israeli targets in retaliation for the killing of Iranian military figures tied to Tehran’s regional proxy forces.
At a conference hosted by the Jewish News Syndicate, Netanyahu stressed, “We are maintaining close coordination with the United States. But I made it clear: with or without an agreement, Iran will not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.”
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 52,243 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military offensive began in October 2023. In the past 24 hours alone, 51 more Palestinians lost their lives, and another 115 were injured, raising the total number of wounded to 117,639.
Thousands are still trapped under rubble, with rescuers unable to reach many areas. The casualty registry has recently been updated to include an additional 697 names.
Since Israel resumed its assault on Gaza on March 18, following the breakdown of a ceasefire, another 2,151 Palestinians have been killed and 5,598 wounded.
Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of committing war crimes in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
