Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his firm stance that Iran’s entire nuclear infrastructure must be dismantled, rejecting any partial agreement that allows Tehran to retain nuclear capabilities—even for peaceful purposes. His remarks come as the U.S. and Iran engage in indirect, Oman-mediated talks aimed at reaching a nuclear accord that would both restrict Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ease U.S. sanctions.
Netanyahu compared the desired outcome to Libya’s 2003 agreement to fully dismantle its weapons programs. He also expressed concern over Iran’s ballistic missile development and insisted any deal must include restrictions on it. Despite U.S. hesitance under President Trump to back a military operation, Netanyahu suggested Israel is prepared to act unilaterally if necessary, reaffirming that “one way or the other, Iran will not have nuclear weapons.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi pushed back, accusing Netanyahu of overreaching into U.S. foreign policy and expressed confidence that Iran would resist external pressure and sabotage. The rising tensions follow two major Iranian attacks on Israel in 2024, intensifying regional concerns about escalation.