NYT reports core dispute in Iran-US talks centers on location
according to webangah News Agency, The New York Times has claimed—based on statements from “informed officials”—that as the U.S. government seeks a nuclear deal with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to derail talks by attacking Tehran’s key enrichment facilities.
The Times reported that sharp disagreements over how to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons have led to at least one tense phone call between Trump and Netanyahu, along with a flurry of recent meetings between senior White House officials and top Israeli representatives.
On Sunday, Trump asserted that “good news” about his efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program would emerge within “the next two days.”
Citing informed sources close to the negotiations, The new York Times claimed that at best, a statement outlining shared principles might be released. Details remain confidential and could pave the way for further talks. The newspaper added: “Future discussions will likely focus on whether Iran can continue uranium enrichment regardless of purity levels—and how stockpiles nearing weapons-grade enrichment could be reduced or removed from the country.”
In April, The New York Times alleged Israel had planned an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities this month but was deterred by trump to allow continued diplomacy. However, Netanyahu insists on military action against Tehran even without U.S. support.
Last month, Netanyahu declared that any viable agreement with Iran must dismantle its “entire underground nuclear infrastructure—including sites in Natanz and Fordow—as well as scattered facilities nationwide.”
Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad chief David Barnea met in Rome last Friday with Trump’s special envoy for West Asia, Steve witkoff. Both later traveled to Washington for discussions with CIA Director John Ratcliffe; Dermer held another meeting with Witkoff on Tuesday.
The Times further reported that during talks between Witkoff and Iranian Deputy foreign Minister abbas Araghchi, Washington’s demand for a complete halt to domestic uranium enrichment remains the central point of contention. Araghchi has repeatedly rejected such restrictions; he emphasized via social media Tuesday: “If Western powers insist on zero enrichment in Iran… there will be nothing left for us [Iran] regarding future negotiations.”
The newspaper noted Witkoff—with oman mediating—is exploring creative proposals”to prevent collapse of talks,” including potential regional investments involving Saudi Arabia or other Arab states (with U.S.intervention)to supply fuel for Iranian reactors.No location was specifiedfor actualenrichment activities under this plan.</P
Citing participants,theTimesalsostatedWitkofhasdroppedinitialobjectionstoaninterimframeworkagreement.Nevertheless,thepaperaddedthiswouldlikelyfailtosatisfyIsraelorhawksinCongressseekingconfrontationwithTehran.
