• Netanyahu demands full dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure during US-Iran negotiations.
• Iran rebuffs Israeli demands, accusing Netanyahu of dictating US policy.
• Talks reportedly show progress, despite ongoing tensions and differing positions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated calls for the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, insisting in a recent speech that any agreement with Tehran must address both its nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile development. He stated, "You have to dismantle their nuclear infrastructure," emphasizing that a successful negotiation would eliminate Iran's ability to enrich uranium for weapons. This demand comes as the United States and Iran engage in negotiations mediated by Oman aimed at re-establishing a nuclear deal that would also lift economic sanctions imposed on Iran, which had been severely impacted after former President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 accord, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

As diplomatic discussions enter a more positive phase, highlighted by a recent third round of talks where both sides reported progress, Iranian officials have loudly rejected Netanyahu's demands. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Netanyahu for what he called "brazenly" dictating US policy regarding Iran, asserting that Tehran would not comply with such demands and emphasizing that military capabilities are non-negotiable in the talks. He remarked, "Israel's fantasy that it can dictate what Iran may or may not do is so detached from reality that it hardly merits a response," reports South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

The ongoing negotiation attempts come amid heightened tensions and a precarious military backdrop, as Israel has not ruled out potential action against Iranian facilities should diplomatic efforts fail. Netanyahu has explicitly stated that he communicated to Trump the necessity of including ballistic missile development restrictions in any future agreement. In contrast, Iranian officials are contending that the sanctions and restrictions discussions must remain focused solely on nuclear capabilities without extending to military programs, according to Reuters, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.