Nuclear danger must be eliminated': Netanyahu lays down Israel's terms for ceasefire with Iran

JERUSALEM — In his first explicit reaction to the emerging Washington-mediated peace framework, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel will not accept any final ceasefire agreement with Iran unless the "nuclear danger" is permanently eliminated.

Following a high-level security consultation and a direct phone conversation with the US President, Netanyahu outlined Israel's absolute non-negotiable conditions. The Prime Minister stated that a comprehensive diplomatic settlement requires the complete dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear enrichment infrastructure and the total removal of existing enriched nuclear material from Iranian territory.

"I spoke last night with the President regarding the upcoming negotiations toward a final agreement," Netanyahu stated in an official briefing. "We agreed that any final arrangement must completely remove the nuclear threat. This means dismantling enrichment sites and transferring out all weapons-grade stockpiles."

The stern message comes as Washington and Tehran inch closer to a potential memorandum of understanding designed to permanently reopen the economically vital Strait of Hormuz. While international negotiators have focused on a phased 60-day stabilization plan and potential sanctions relief, Israel has remained deeply skeptical of any deal that leaves Iran's underlying enrichment capabilities intact.

Beyond the nuclear file, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel has secured explicit assurances from the White House regarding its operational autonomy. Even if a broader regional truce takes effect, Israel insists on its absolute "freedom of action" to strike immediate military threats on its borders, particularly targeting Iran-backed factions across Lebanon.

While Iran's leadership has indicated a willingness to discuss civilian energy guarantees, Netanyahu warned that true regional stability remains impossible as long as the threat of a nuclear-armed Tehran persists.