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In a concise statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that any negotiations must address the limitation of ballistic missiles and the cessation of support for Iran’s strategic partners. This refers to Iran’s backing of militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories.
Netanyahu’s last meeting with former President Trump took place in December.
The White House has yet to issue a comment on the matter.
Recent indirect discussions between the United States and Iran occurred in Oman on Friday, seemingly resetting the stage for how to handle Tehran’s nuclear program.
Trump expressed optimism, noting that the U.S. engaged in “very good” talks and anticipates further discussions early next week.
Washington was being represented by Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to reach a deal on the nuclear program after sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships to the region amid Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests that killed thousands.
Gulf Arab nations fear an attack could spark a regional war, with memories fresh of the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June.
For the first time in negotiations with Iran, the US on Friday brought its top military commander in the Middle East to the table.
US Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, head of the military’s Central Command, then visited the USS Abraham Lincoln on Saturday with Witkoff and Kushner, the command said in a statement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told journalists that “nuclear talks and the resolution of the main issues must take place in a calm atmosphere, without tension and without threats”.
He said that diplomats would return to their capitals, signaling that this round of negotiations was over.
It remains unclear what terms Iran is willing to negotiate at the talks.
Tehran has maintained that these talks will only be on its nuclear program.
However, the Al Jazeera satellite news network reported that diplomats from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar offered Iran a proposal in which Tehran would halt enrichment for three years, send its highly enriched uranium out of the country and pledge to “not initiate the use of ballistic missiles”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday the talks needed to include all those issues.
Israel, a close US ally, believes Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon and wants its program scrapped, though Iran has insisted that its atomic plans are for peaceful purposes.
Israel also wants a halt to Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups in the region.
Araghchi, speaking at a forum in Qatar, accused Israel of destabilising the region, saying that it “breaches sovereignties, it assassinates official dignitaries, it conducts terrorist operations, it expands its reach in multiple theatres”.
He criticised Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and called for “comprehensive and targeted sanctions against Israel, including an immediate arms embargo.”
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