Netanyahu: Iran and U.S. nearing a deal that Israel can accept.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Reveals Potential Nuclear Deal with Iran

In a closed-door meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a potential nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran that Israel could accept. This deal is different from the Obama Era JCPOA and Israel “could live with” its provisions.

“What’s on the agenda at the moment between Washington and Tehran is not a nuclear deal, it’s a mini-deal,” Netanyahu said. “We will be able to handle it.”

According to Israeli news sources, the deal would include a cap on Iranian nuclear enrichment at its current 60% level, and the U.S. would loosen sanctions against Iran in return, releasing around $20 billion in Iranian assets. The two countries would also carry out a prisoner exchange.

Communication Between the U.S. and Iran

A Biden administration spokesperson confirmed communication between the two countries, but denied that talks toward an interim agreement were taking place. The official characterized the claim as “false and misleading,” but did not close the door to future talks toward an interim deal, according to Reuters.

On Monday, Nasser Kanaani, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, also denied interest in an interim deal with Washington, but expressed willingness to return to the JCPOA. President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal in 2018.

Israel’s Stance on the Deal

An Israeli official warned Monday that the Jewish State would attack if Iran reached the 90% uranium enrichment level needed for a nuclear weapon. Netanyahu said Israel remained opposed to a return to the JCPOA and sent a message to the U.S. on Tuesday saying that Israel would not bind itself to any agreement between Washington and Tehran regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.

“More than 90 percent of our security issues stem from Iran and its [proxies],” he said, comparing them to a spreading cancer. “Our position is clear: Israel will not be bound by any deal with Iran and will continue to defend itself.”

Despite Iran’s claim that their uranium enrichment is for civilian purposes, nuclear nonproliferation experts say the country has no civilian use for uranium at this level of enrichment. However, Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed support for an agreement with the West regarding Iran’s nuclear program, stating that “the existing infrastructure of the nuclear industry should not be touched.”

Conclusion

The renewed talks between the U.S. and Iran come after previous talks concerning a renewed nuclear deal stalled last year. American negotiators focused on nuclear nonproliferation, emphasizing a “hefty price” for Iran if it reaches the 90% uranium enrichment level needed for a nuclear weapon, leaving military action on the table.

Netanyahu added, “We are working to stop Iran and, on the other hand, we are making great efforts to expand the circle of peace. These things present us with great challenges, but also possibilities.”