Israel reiterated its steadfast stance that any new agreement with Iran must fully dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program and deal with the growing threat posed by Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal.
Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear on Monday when speaking to reporters that Israel will not support any agreement that does not completely eliminate Iran’s nuclear weapon capability, including their missile program which threatens regional stability. He stated:
These comments come at a time of ongoing talks between Iran and the US, where international mediators hope to revive elements of 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or reach an alternative framework to limit Iran’s nuclear activities. Israeli officials, however, remain deeply skeptical as past agreements have allowed Iran to advance both nuclear capabilities as well as military potential covertly through diplomacy.
Israeli defense establishment officials have long seen Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. Officials also argue that Iran’s ballistic missile development, including ones capable of carrying nuclear warheads, poses an immediate risk not only to Israel but to broader Middle Eastern regions as well.
“We cannot separate the nuclear file from missile threat,” according to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. A comprehensive solution must dismantle Iran’s ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels while simultaneously stopping them from perfecting long-range missile technology.
Iran maintains that its nuclear and missile programs are for peaceful use and in defense, however Israel and several Western nations allege otherwise and accuse Iran of carrying out weapon development secretly.
The United States remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, yet has yet to tie missile restrictions explicitly into current diplomatic efforts. European countries involved with an earlier nuclear deal have called for expanded negotiations that include discussion of Iran’s missile activities and regional influence.
Tensions remain high and Israel has made clear it will act independently if diplomacy fails to do its job. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned: “Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend itself, and our red lines are clearly established through action rather than just words.”
As indirect talks continue between Israel and Iran through intermediaries, it’s clear that Iran’s demands for sanctions relief and Israel’s call for the complete dismantling of Iran’s military programs remain significant obstacles in finding any lasting diplomatic solution.