Netanyahu proposes alternative Iran nuke deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out two alternative options to deal with Iran over its nuclear programme.

In a videotaped public statement issued yesterday, Netanyahu said: “First, instead of allowing Iran to preserve and develop its nuclear capabilities, a better deal would significantly roll back these capabilities – for example, by shutting down the illicit underground facilities that Iran concealed for years from the international community,”

“Second, instead of lifting the restrictions on Iran’s nuclear facilities and programme at a fixed date, a better deal would link the lifting of these restrictions to an end of Iran’s aggression in the region, its worldwide terrorism and its threats to annihilate Israel,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister pointed out that “in the last few days, Iran has shown again why it can’t be trusted”.

“Iran insists on maintaining its formidable nuclear capabilities with which it could produce nuclear bombs. Iran insists on removing all sanctions immediately. And Iran refuses to allow effective inspections of all its suspect facilities. At the same time, Iran continues its unbridled aggression in the region and its terrorism throughout the world,” Netanyahu said.

He stressed that Tehran cannot afford to walk away from the deal, saying: “Iran needs a deal more than anyone. Instead of making dangerous concessions to Iran, now is the time for the international community to reassert and fortify its original demands for a better deal.”

Netanyahu conclude his statement saying: “We must not let Iran, the foremost sponsor of global terrorism, have an easy path to nuclear weapons which will threaten the entire world.”

Israel has publically opposed any agreement between the world powers and Iran that does not guarantee halting all of Iran’s nuclear activities.

Western officials announced earlier this month that they have reached a framework agreement with Iran which includes the lifting of sanctions on Tehran in return for suspending more than two-thirds of Iran’s enrichment capabilities.