Israel demands dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program as US-Iran talks show progress
Tehran accuses Israel of interference while IAEA team arrives for technical discussions in latest diplomatic developments
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program intensified this week as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated demands for the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, following what officials described as a productive third round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed “cautious optimism” after the talks, held in Oman over the weekend and mediated by Omani officials.
He emphasized that progress was being made but warned that Israel was “brazenly” attempting to sabotage the diplomatic process.
“Netanyahu is dictating what President Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran,” Araghchi said on Monday, accusing Israel of meddling in efforts to reach a peaceful agreement.
The talks, led by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, aim to ensure Iran’s nuclear activities remain peaceful in exchange for sanctions relief.
A senior US official told Reuters that “further progress” had been achieved during the weekend’s discussions.
Despite these advances, Netanyahu said the only acceptable outcome would be an agreement that eliminates all of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and includes restrictions on ballistic missile development.
He also warned that Israel remains prepared to take military action if necessary.
Trump, in an interview published Friday, stated that a deal with Iran was likely but made clear that the US would intervene “very willingly” if negotiations failed.
“If we don’t make a deal, I’ll be leading the pack,” he said, while noting that the US would not be “dragged into” a war initiated by others.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a technical team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had arrived in Tehran for meetings with nuclear experts.
The IAEA had previously raised “serious concern” over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, as noted in a February report.
Foreign Minister Araghchi suggested the IAEA may be invited to join the next round of US-Iran negotiations, expected to take place on Saturday, though a venue has not yet been announced.
Amid rising diplomatic activity, Iran’s internal security remains on high alert.
On Saturday, a large explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee port near Bandar Abbas.
While some reports speculated a missile fuel shipment was involved, Iranian officials denied the claims.
State media reported on Monday that the blast killed 46 people and injured 138.
Separately, Iran’s Infrastructure Communications Company announced it had repelled a “widespread and complex” cyberattack, which the semi-official Tasnim news agency attributed to foreign interference.
Iran has previously accused Israel of launching cyber operations against its infrastructure.
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