Netanyahu Claims Israel Postponed Iran's Nuclear Ambitions by Ten Years
The Israeli prime minister has stated that Tehran's nuclear ambitions pose a continuing threat. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Tehran’s nuclear ambitions continue to pose a significant threat, as stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu indicated that Iran “probably” could have developed a nuclear weapon a decade ago if not for interventions from Israel. He reiterated that Tehran’s nuclear pursuits still represent a danger.
His remarks followed a recent report by the New York Times, which detailed that Iranian scientists are exploring faster methods for nuclear weapon development. U.S. intelligence sources revealed that a covert team of scientists based in Tehran has been assigned to discover new techniques for producing an atomic bomb. This information was part of the discussions during Netanyahu’s recent state visit to the U.S.
“[Iran] probably would have been there ten years ago already if we hadn’t taken various actions to hold them up. We held them up,” Netanyahu shared with Fox News while in Washington on Thursday, though he acknowledged that Iran’s efforts have not been “completely” halted.
Additionally, Netanyahu highlighted the alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding this issue, stating: “The president said something very simple, which I said as well. Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons.”
For many years, Iran’s uranium enrichment activities have been regarded by the West and Israel as covert attempts to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains that its nuclear endeavors are strictly for peaceful purposes. The country has faced numerous international sanctions due to its nuclear program.
In 2015, a nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was established between Iran and world powers, which restricted Tehran’s nuclear activities in return for partial sanction relief.
However, the U.S. exited the agreement unilaterally in 2018 during Trump’s administration. In the aftermath, Iran has substantially enhanced its uranium enrichment capabilities, and attempts to revive the deal have yet to bear fruit, although Tehran has asserted its willingness to engage in talks if approached with “respect.” In December, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, remarked that Iran was “dramatically” increasing its uranium enrichment to levels as high as 60% purity, deeming the situation “very concerning.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
Netanyahu indicated that Iran “probably” could have developed a nuclear weapon a decade ago if not for interventions from Israel. He reiterated that Tehran’s nuclear pursuits still represent a danger.
His remarks followed a recent report by the New York Times, which detailed that Iranian scientists are exploring faster methods for nuclear weapon development. U.S. intelligence sources revealed that a covert team of scientists based in Tehran has been assigned to discover new techniques for producing an atomic bomb. This information was part of the discussions during Netanyahu’s recent state visit to the U.S.
“[Iran] probably would have been there ten years ago already if we hadn’t taken various actions to hold them up. We held them up,” Netanyahu shared with Fox News while in Washington on Thursday, though he acknowledged that Iran’s efforts have not been “completely” halted.
Additionally, Netanyahu highlighted the alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding this issue, stating: “The president said something very simple, which I said as well. Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons.”
For many years, Iran’s uranium enrichment activities have been regarded by the West and Israel as covert attempts to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains that its nuclear endeavors are strictly for peaceful purposes. The country has faced numerous international sanctions due to its nuclear program.
In 2015, a nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was established between Iran and world powers, which restricted Tehran’s nuclear activities in return for partial sanction relief.
However, the U.S. exited the agreement unilaterally in 2018 during Trump’s administration. In the aftermath, Iran has substantially enhanced its uranium enrichment capabilities, and attempts to revive the deal have yet to bear fruit, although Tehran has asserted its willingness to engage in talks if approached with “respect.” In December, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, remarked that Iran was “dramatically” increasing its uranium enrichment to levels as high as 60% purity, deeming the situation “very concerning.”
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
