Netanyahu Says Trump Backs Iran Nuclear Dismantlement as Deal Talks Advance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said President Donald Trump supports requiring Iran to dismantle its nuclear program under any final agreement, as U.S.-Iran negotiations move toward a possible deal connected to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu said he spoke with Trump about a proposed memorandum of understanding involving Hormuz and future negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. According to Netanyahu, both leaders agreed that any final deal must “eliminate the nuclear danger,” including dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities and removing enriched nuclear material from Iranian territory.
The Jerusalem Post, citing Reuters and an Israeli political source, reported that Trump would not sign a final agreement without those conditions being met. The same source said Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would preserve freedom of action against threats on all fronts, including Lebanon.
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AP reported that the United States is close to a deal with Iran that could end the war, reopen Hormuz and require Iran to give up its highly enriched uranium stockpile, though details and timelines remain unresolved. Iran has not publicly committed to giving up uranium, and AP reported that Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is peaceful.
The practical stakes are large. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy corridor, and AP reported that reopening it could begin easing a global energy crisis, though prices and shipping may take weeks or months to return to prewar levels.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations had made “significant progress, although not final progress.” The remaining question is whether the final deal will satisfy Israel’s nuclear and security demands while securing Iran’s agreement on uranium, sanctions relief and Hormuz.
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