- According to him, the nuclear materials must be removed before any conclusion can be drawn about the war
- He also disclosed that US President Donald Trump shared a similar stance on Iran’s nuclear programme
- He said although some of Iran’s military capabilities had been weakened, more work still needed to be done
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran cannot be considered over until Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is removed and its nuclear facilities dismantled.
Speaking during an interview aired Sunday on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Eko Hot Blog reports that Netanyahu said Iran still possesses enriched uranium and operational enrichment sites, which he described as major unresolved issues in the conflict.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Fani-Kayode, Omokri Oppose Return Of Power To North Before 2031, Endorse Tinubu For 2027
- Putin defends Ukraine war amid NATO aggression claims
- Epe Stakeholders Unite in Massive Endorsement for Wale Raji, Tobun, Tinubu, Others
According to him, the nuclear materials must be removed before any conclusion can be drawn about the war.
When asked how the uranium could be taken out, Netanyahu said the preferred option would be through an agreement, adding that the process could be carried out physically if necessary.
He also disclosed that US President Donald Trump shared a similar stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, though he avoided discussing possible military methods for removing the materials.
Netanyahu’s remarks appeared to contrast with Trump’s recent public comments suggesting Iran’s nuclear ambitions had already been contained following the military confrontation.
In a separate interview aired earlier, Trump stated that Iran had been “militarily defeated” and claimed the United States could monitor and seize the uranium stockpile whenever necessary.
The Israeli leader further stated that beyond the uranium issue, Iran’s ballistic missile programme and support for regional proxy groups remained concerns for Israel.
He said although some of Iran’s military capabilities had been weakened, more work still needed to be done.
Netanyahu also revealed that he had informed Trump of his desire for Israel to gradually phase out American military aid, which currently amounts to about $3.8 billion annually.
According to him, Israel should begin reducing dependence on US military support over the next decade.
The prime minister additionally accused China of providing assistance to Iran, particularly in missile manufacturing components, though he declined to provide further details.
Netanyahu expressed hope that weakening Iran could also affect groups allied with Tehran, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, arguing that Iran remains the central force behind the network.
However, he stopped short of predicting the collapse of Iran’s government, saying such an outcome was possible but not guaranteed.
FURTHER READING
