Speaking at an annual conference attended by leaders of major American Jewish organizations on 15/2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism about Washington and Tehran reaching an agreement. He emphasized that any deal must include provisions for removing enriched uranium material from Iran.

"Second, Iran must not have the capacity to enrich uranium; it must dismantle the equipment and infrastructure that allow enrichment in the first place. Third, the issue of ballistic missiles needs to be addressed," he stated.

The Israeli Prime Minister noted he had underscored these conditions during talks with US President Donald Trump earlier this month.

Uncertainty surrounds Iran's stockpile of over 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium. International inspectors last examined this material in June 2025, prior to a 12-day conflict with Israel and US airstrikes on several Iranian nuclear facilities.

At the Jerusalem conference, Netanyahu also called for regular inspections of Tehran's nuclear program. "There must be real, substantive inspections, not pre-announced ones, but effective checks on all the above. These are the elements we consider crucial for reaching a deal," the Israeli leader added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the conference on 15/2. Photo: Reuters

Tehran and Washington resumed nuclear negotiations in Oman on 6/2, following the collapse of previous dialogues after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran, which led to the 12-day conflict.

This activity comes as the US leaves open the possibility of military action against Iran and has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group in the region. US officials stated that the US decided to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East and is preparing for the possibility of a prolonged military operation if negotiations fail.

A second round of talks between the US and Iran is expected to take place this week. An Iranian diplomat on 15/2 indicated that Tehran is aiming for a nuclear deal with the US that brings economic benefits to both sides.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has enriched uranium to 60%, far exceeding the 3,67% limit stipulated in the expired nuclear deal it signed with world powers in 2015. This figure is also close to the 90% level needed to build an atomic bomb.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi affirmed that Tehran is ready to compromise to reach a deal with Washington, including diluting highly enriched uranium, provided the US lifts the crippling sanctions on its economy.

When asked if Tehran would agree to move over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium out of the country, Takht-Ravanchi did not rule out the possibility of a compromise.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)