Netanyahu calls for ‘dismantling’ Iran’s nuclear infrastructure amid US-Iran talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions on Sunday, calling for the complete dismantling of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear infrastructure and demanding that any future agreement also address Tehran’s ballistic missile program.

Speaking from Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated that the only ‘good deal’ would be one that fully dismantles Iran’s nuclear capabilities, similar to Libya’s 2003 deal with the West in which it surrendered its nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile programs.

His remarks come as the United States and Iran engage in indirect negotiations—mediated by Oman—with the aim of reviving a nuclear deal that would prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons while easing US economic sanctions.

Both the US and Iran have so far engaged in three rounds of indirect talks, most recently in Rome, where Oman stated that both sides were pursuing a deal allowing Iran to develop peaceful nuclear energy, free from sanctions or weapons-grade potential.

Israeli officials have long vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and Netanyahu has not ruled out the possibility of military action against Iran’s nuclear sites.

Despite President Donald Trump reportedly telling Netanyahu that the US is not currently willing to support such a move, Israeli sources told news agency Reuters the option remains on the table.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated in the past year. Iran launched attacks involving drones, ballistic, and cruise missiles against Israel in April and October 2024, following Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian commanders and officials linked to Tehran’s proxy network.

“We are in close contact with the United States. But I said, one way or the other, Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said.

Meanwhile, Iran and the US have agreed to continue their nuclear negotiations next week. Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that Tehran remains “extremely cautious” about the prospects of a successful outcome.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that any deal must end Iran’s uranium enrichment and mandate imported fuel for Bushehr. Iranian officials, however, reject these terms as non-negotiable red lines.