Netanyahu: Iran will not get nuclear weapons, with or without deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that regardless of the US-Iran agreement, he will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, while acknowledging disagreements with Trump.
Hours after most other Israeli officials commented on the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally expressed his position. At a press conference, he noted that he and US President Donald Trump "don't always agree," but such disagreements are normal.
Netanyahu stressed that his primary responsibility is Israel's security, and he will act wisely. He largely avoided direct discussion of the agreement, instead focusing on what he called Israel's great achievements in campaigns against Iran and across the Middle East.
"With or without a deal, Iran will not have nuclear weapons — not today, not tomorrow. As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, this will not happen," Netanyahu said. He called for vigilance, strength, and determination to defend the country if necessary.
Netanyahu made clear that Israel has no intention of withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon, Gaza, or Syria. "We will remain in security zones as long as needed to protect our country," he said.
When asked by journalists, Netanyahu acknowledged uncertainty about the agreement itself. "We still do not know what the agreement will be," he said. Asked whether the deal was concluded against his position, he emphasized his long-standing relationship with Trump and deep knowledge of the US political arena.
Background: The signing ceremony for the US-Iran peace agreement is scheduled for June 19 in Geneva. Trump previously announced the peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Germany, France, the UK, and Italy have expressed readiness to support the restoration of navigation in the strait.
