Netanyahu urges US envoy to be skeptical of Iran in revived nuclear talks
Key Points:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism toward any potential agreement with Iran during renewed nuclear talks, urging the U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to remain cautious.
Context and Statements:
Netanyahu emphasized that Tehran was unlikely to honor any potential nuclear agreement, reinforcing Israel’s stance that Iran must fully abandon uranium enrichment and dismantle its nuclear capabilities.
He reiterated Israel and the U.S.’s shared position on Iran, demanding that Tehran fully comply with international obligations and remove all nuclear-related activities.
Background and Diplomatic Environment:
- Iran has repeatedly refused to resume nuclear talks under previous terms, accusing the U.S. of using diplomacy to prepare for war.
- Iran demands a ‘fair and equal footing’ before resuming negotiations, highlighting concerns over perceived imbalance in the talks.
- U.S. envoy Robert Malley has also expressed skepticism about the prospects of a new nuclear deal, indicating a challenging diplomatic landscape.
Related Developments:
Netanyahu has consistently voiced concerns about past U.S. negotiations with Iran, particularly under the Obama administration, fearing that diplomatic efforts may have compromised national security interests.
Recent meetings between Netanyahu and U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have focused on broader regional security issues, including the future of Gaza.