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Netanyahu calls Cameron, urges continued sanctions ahead of Iran nuclear talks
With Iranian officials set to meet representatives of the international community tomorrow in Geneva, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with Prime Minister David Cameron over the weekend.
After new Iranian President Rouhani made recent overtures towards warming relations with the West, there is increased speculation that Iran may be prepared to accept some restrictions on its production of uranium in exchange for a loosening of international sanctions. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s meeting between Iranian officials and representatives of the P5+1 forum (United States, UK, China, Russia, France and Germany), Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister told Iranian state television that “we will negotiate regarding the form, amount, and various levels of [uranium] enrichment,” but ruled out “the shipping of materials out of the country.” Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry reassured members of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) that although the window for diplomacy with Iran is “cracking open… no deal is better than a bad deal” over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
According to a statement from Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu spoke by phone with European leaders, including David Cameron ahead of tomorrow’s talks. The Daily Mail reports Netanyahu told Cameron, “Until Iran dismantles its military nuclear programme, sanctions must not be eased,” explaining that “only the continuation of pressure and its strengthening can bring them [Iran] to dismantle their nuclear programme.” Netanyahu also delivered the same message to French President Francois Hollande, who according to AFP said that Iran’s words must be “translated into actions.”
Earlier this month, Netanyahu told the United Nations that in order for diplomacy to work, Iran must halt uranium enrichment, remove all enriched material from the country, close the Qom and Natanz facilities and stop work at the heavy water reactor in Arak. Netanyahu is expected to address Iran’s nuclear programme during a speech today to mark the opening of Knesset winter session.