Israel has voiced growing alarm over what it sees as the United States nearing a flawed nuclear agreement with Iran — one that could fall short of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, according to reports from Tel Aviv.
The Israeli government is reportedly dissatisfied with the level of transparency from Washington, particularly regarding specific concerns raised by Israeli authorities that remain unaddressed. Reports suggest that Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, has withheld full details about the ongoing discussions with Tehran.
“The talks between the two are very advanced, and Witkoff is not sharing the exactness of the talks taking place between the two nations,” Israel has accused.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump earlier on Tuesday, reiterated his openness to diplomacy only if it results in the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Netanyahu reportedly told Trump he “does not rule out a diplomatic approach” but only on condition that the resulting deal would “leave no trace” of Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump, in response, assured him that the United States shares the same objective, according to the report.
While this exchange temporarily allayed some of Israel’s fears, senior Israeli security officials remain uneasy about the direction of the negotiations. The contrast between public declarations and actual developments has added to their anxiety.
“On the one hand, the US leadership is publicly declaring that Iran will not get nuclear weapons, but in contrast, ‘real progress’ is being made toward a nuclear deal in a way that is ‘deeply disturbing’,” the reports said.
The third round of US-Iran talks is scheduled for Saturday in Oman, where technical and expert-level teams are expected to draft the framework of a new nuclear arrangement. The US State Department confirmed that its policy planning director, Michael Anton, will lead the American side.
Anton, though experienced in national security and communications, lacks a technical background in nuclear science. He previously served on the National Security Council under both President Trump and former President George W. Bush.
Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US State Department, said that Steve Witkoff would also attend the opening technical session in Oman.
Trump, speaking on Thursday, expressed optimism about the negotiations: “We could have a very, very good decision, and a lot of lives will be saved.”
Iran, facing Israeli threats and conscious of US backing for Tel Aviv, has reportedly fortified its nuclear infrastructure in anticipation of any potential escalation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s determination to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but added that the administration is open to allowing Tehran a civilian nuclear programme — provided there is no uranium enrichment involved.
However, Iran remains steadfast. “The core issue of enrichment itself is not negotiable,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, indicating that uranium enrichment remains a red line for the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, met on Thursday with representatives from Iran, China, and Russia to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme. According to reports, the talks explored the IAEA’s potential role in a political resolution to the crisis.
China, it is learnt, expressed support for Iran’s continued engagement with all stakeholders, including the United States.
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