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Netanyahu sets tough conditions for Iran nuclear agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Sunday that any nuclear accord with Iran must require Tehran to surrender all enriched uranium and halt further enrichment capabilities. Speaking in Jerusalem, he outlined key demands ahead of renewed negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Core demands from Israel
Netanyahu stated that Iran must remove all enriched nuclear material from its territory and be prohibited from enriching uranium in the future. He framed these conditions as critical not only for Israel's security but for global stability.
Additional Israeli demands include restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and a reduction in Tehran's support for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran has consistently rejected discussions on its missile development.
Iran signals flexibility but holds firm on red lines
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that Tehran is open to compromises, including diluting its stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium, but only if the U.S. engages on lifting sanctions. He emphasized that zero enrichment remains a non-negotiable red line, citing Iran's rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Takht-Ravanchi did not clarify whether Iran would agree to export more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium or specify which sanctions it expects to be lifted.
U.S. reinforces diplomatic push amid military buildup
The U.S. has intensified pressure on Iran to reach a deal, coupling diplomacy with a military show of force. Two aircraft carriers, including the largest in the U.S. fleet, have been deployed to the Middle East. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that additional naval forces would counter potential regional threats.
"President Trump prefers diplomacy and a negotiated settlement over direct military action," Rubio said during a press conference in Slovakia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet Iranian negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in Geneva this week.
Sticking points and historical context
The 2015 nuclear deal, abandoned by Trump in 2018, had imposed limits on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Iran has accelerated enrichment, raising concerns about its potential weapons ambitions-claims Tehran denies.
Rubio acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting, "No one has successfully negotiated a lasting deal with Iran, but we're going to try."
What's next
The second round of talks in Switzerland begins Tuesday (09:00 local time). Observers will watch whether Iran's offer to dilute uranium signals a genuine shift or a tactical maneuver amid mounting U.S. pressure.
