Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war with Iran will not conclude until the removal of high-enriched uranium and the dismantling of nuclear facilities are achieved.
In an interview on CBS's "60 Minutes" on May 10, Netanyahu said, "I believe this war has achieved many results, but it is not over yet," citing the remaining nuclear materials and enriched uranium that must be exported from Iran.
He added, "There are still enrichment facilities that need to be dismantled, and there are ballistic missiles that proxy forces supported by Iran are trying to produce. We have weakened many of these elements, but all of them still exist, and there is work to be done."
Regarding high-enriched uranium, he stated, "It can be removed if we go in and take it out," but he refrained from discussing specific military options, including the potential deployment of Israeli or U.S. special forces.
Netanyahu recalled a conversation with former President Donald Trump, saying, "What he told me was, 'I want to go in there.' I believe it is physically possible. If there is an agreement and we can go in and take it out, why not? That would be the best way."
International nuclear monitoring agencies estimate that Iran possesses approximately 970 pounds (about 440 kg) of bomb-grade high-enriched uranium.
However, when asked if military force could be used to remove the uranium if negotiations fail, Netanyahu avoided a direct answer, stating, "I will not discuss military possibilities or plans." He also declined to provide a specific timeline for resolving the uranium issue, emphasizing that it is a "very important mission."
Netanyahu indicated that even if the war with Iran ends, the front with Hezbollah may continue separately. He noted that Iran might seek to include the Hezbollah front in any ceasefire agreement, but Israel must eliminate threats targeting its cities and border areas.
He also claimed that if the Iranian regime weakens or collapses, the regional proxy networks established by Iran, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, could also fall apart. However, he cautioned that while the overthrow of the Iranian regime is possible, it is not guaranteed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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