Tel Aviv (Monitoring Desk): Israel has expressed concern over ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran being limited solely to nuclear issues. In this context, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stressed that any talks with Tehran must not only focus on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but should also include restrictions on its ballistic missile program and an end to its support for armed groups in the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Netanyahu’s office said the Iranian regime has repeatedly demonstrated in the past that its commitments cannot be trusted.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described Iran’s ballistic missiles as a serious threat to Israel, warning that the scale of missile production planned by Tehran could endanger not only Israel but also European countries. He added that there would be no compromise on the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza.
On the other hand, Iran’s Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said that responsibility for the consequences of any potential war in the region would rest with the United States and Israel. However, he maintained that despite full defensive preparedness, Iran does not seek to initiate a conflict.
These statements follow recent remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said that talks with the United States were limited to nuclear matters and that the issue of ballistic missiles would not be discussed in the next round of negotiations.
Israel’s position comes ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s expected visit to Washington on Wednesday, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss Iran. Israel is pushing for the inclusion of ballistic missiles and Iran-backed armed groups in the negotiation agenda.
It may be recalled that the United States and Iran described the first round of talks held in Muscat as positive. However, according to Abbas Araghchi, further deliberations are required to reach a final outcome, while President Trump has repeatedly hinted at the possibility of a military option.
