Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that the war with Iran is “not over” until what he described as key strategic issues are resolved, including the removal of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, the dismantling of nuclear facilities, and curbing Tehran’s regional influence.
In an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Netanyahu said, “It’s not over, because there’s still nuclear material, enriched uranium, that has to be taken out of Iran. There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled.” He added that Iran continues to support regional proxy groups and is advancing its ballistic missile capabilities.
Acknowledging progress after the US and Israel attacked Iran, Netanyahu stressed that major challenges remain, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
He also suggested that enriched uranium would need to be physically removed under any workable arrangement, saying, “If you have an agreement, and you go in, and you take it out, why not That’s the best way.”
Netanyahu agrees that the deal has to be clinched, but the nuclear issue remains “non-negotiable.” His remarks come as the United States maintains that Iran must fully halt uranium enrichment as part of any broader peace framework. President Donald Trump recently described Iran’s latest response to a peace proposal as “totally unacceptable.”
Iran, however, has rejected calls to completely halt enrichment. According to reports, Iranian officials have suggested reducing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and transferring some material to a third country under international arrangements.
Netanyahu also outlined a possible approach in which enriched uranium could be physically removed if diplomacy fails, but refused to divulge the “military options”.
According to media reports, Tehran has also indicated willingness to suspend enrichment for a limited period, though for a shorter duration than the 20-year freeze proposed by Washington, while rejecting the dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure.
Discussions between the two sides are reportedly continuing through mediators, but a comprehensive agreement remains elusive amid deep disagreements over uranium enrichment and verification mechanisms.
Iranian leaders have maintained that their proposals are legitimate and aimed at ensuring a balanced agreement.
Netanyahu’s comments come ahead of President Donald Trump’s expected trip to China later this week, where he’s expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The war and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran have spiked global energy costs and sharply raised gas prices in the US.
