Khaberni - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid out a series of conditions he considers necessary for any anticipated nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran.
His statements came last Sunday, coinciding with Tehran and Washington's preparations for a second round of negotiations in Switzerland, during which he proposed a timeline for gradually phasing out U.S. military aid to Israel.
Dismantling the Nuclear Infrastructure
In a speech delivered at the annual conference of major American Jewish organizations in Jerusalem, Netanyahu revealed that he had informed U.S. President Donald Trump of the need for any agreement with Tehran to include "dismantling the nuclear infrastructure", not just stopping the enrichment process.
Netanyahu identified essential elements he sees as important for completing the agreement, including the full transfer of enriched uranium out of Iran, dismantling the equipment and infrastructure that allow for enrichment "primarily", and resolving the ballistic missile issue.
He also called for thorough inspections of the nuclear program, saying, "There must be real inspection, thorough inspection."
Intense preparations are underway for a second round of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran next Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland.
The U.S. President has affirmed that his country is keen to reach an agreement with Iran, but he warned Tehran of the repercussions of failing to achieve this.
For its part, Tehran believes that Washington and Israel are fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change in Iran, and threatens to respond to any military attack, even if limited, while insisting on lifting Western economic sanctions in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.
From "Aid" to "Partnership"
On the subject of bilateral relations with Washington, Netanyahu said that he aims to gradually end U.S. military aid to Israel.
He stated that the financial component of the American support (which amounts to $3.8 billion annually) could be reduced over the next ten years to reach zero.
Netanyahu said: "During the remaining three years of the current Memorandum of Understanding, and another seven years, we will gradually reduce it (the aid) to zero", affirming his desire to transition the relationship with the United States "from aid to partnership".
