Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Thursday that Israel is strongly against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, following reports of resumed talks between Tehran and Washington on a potential nuclear agreement.
Netanyahu's office released a statement asserting that the position of the Israeli leader has been clear and resolute.
"The prime minister has not made it clear more than once: Israel will not stand by while Iran achieves nuclear capabilities," the statement said.
It also pointed to "Netanyahu's longstanding stance that the Islamic Republic is a serious and acute threat to Israeli security." The statement said he has led many "overt and covert operations against Iran's nuclear program," as well as headed global efforts to thwart Iran's drive in this area.
The new diplomatic efforts come after a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff last Saturday in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Both sides characterized the interaction as "constructive," indicating possible developments.
These Muscat talks follow an initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously in March confirmed that he had written a letter to Iranian leaders via the United Arab Emirates. The letter was said to propose starting a new chapter of negotiations over Tehran's nuclear aspirations. Iran responded by agreeing to hold indirect talks with Washington.
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