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Israeli officials fear Iran is 'buying time' on nuclear deal

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Israeli defense officials fear Iran is using a 60-day window in a new US-Iran memorandum of understanding to buy time and strengthen its nuclear program.
  • Concerns are mounting over a lack of transparency from the US administration regarding the deal, fueling distrust between Israel and Washington.
  • Iran is expected to receive significant economic relief, while intelligence assessments suggest Tehran may aim to prolong negotiations and shorten its path to nuclear weapons.

Israeli defense officials express deep concern that Iran will exploit the 60-day window provided by a new US-Iran memorandum of understanding to consolidate its position rather than commit to a final agreement. Intelligence assessments suggest Tehran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is unlikely to pursue a definitive deal, instead viewing the negotiations as a means to secure control of the Strait of Hormuz and gain economic advantages from the United States.

The primary fear is that Iran will prolong the process, avoiding a swift resolution on its nuclear program. "We should not expect anything else from a vengeful regime. It would be very surprising if Iran does not invest all its efforts and tricks to shorten its reach to nuclear weapons, under the auspices of the talks," a senior defense official told News 12. This sentiment highlights a significant distrust in Tehran's intentions during the interim period, during which Iran is anticipated to receive substantial relief from economic sanctions and in fuel and oil trade.

We should not expect anything else from a vengeful regime. It would be very surprising if Iran does not invest all its efforts and tricks to shorten its reach to nuclear weapons, under the auspices of the talks.

— a senior defense officialExpressing concern to News 12 about Iran's intentions during the 60-day negotiation window.

Adding to Israel's unease is a growing rift with the US over Washington's perceived secrecy surrounding the deal. The Israeli defense establishment is increasingly concerned about the lack of transparency from the Trump administration regarding the memorandum of understanding. Officials worry about how the interim period will unfold, particularly regarding Iran's expected economic benefits. Conversely, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran will commence nuclear issue negotiations "on the very day we sign the MoU," a statement that contrasts with Israeli intelligence assessments suggesting a deliberate delay tactic by Tehran.

Iran will begin negotiations on the nuclear issue 'on the very day we sign the MoU.'

— Abbas AraghchiIranian Foreign Minister, stating Iran's commitment to begin nuclear negotiations immediately after signing the memorandum of understanding.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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