Netanyahu: War with Iran not over until uranium removed
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war against Iran is not over until Iran's enriched uranium is removed from the country.
- Netanyahu told CBS's '60 Minutes' that Iran still possesses nuclear material and that his country's work is not finished, despite destroying many nuclear facilities.
- He suggested physically removing the uranium, possibly through an agreement, and also noted that Iran's proxy forces and ballistic missile production remain unresolved issues.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel's firm stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, emphasizing that the conflict will not conclude until Tehran's enriched uranium is verifiably removed from its territory. In an interview with CBS's '60 Minutes,' Netanyahu underscored that despite significant efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear infrastructure, the threat persists as long as enriched uranium remains within the country.
The war is not over because there is still nuclear material, that is, enriched uranium, remaining in Iran. These must be removed from Iran.
Netanyahu's remarks highlight the ongoing strategic challenge posed by Iran's nuclear program. He suggested that a physical removal of the nuclear material, ideally through an agreement, is the most viable solution. This approach, while emphasizing diplomacy, also carries an implicit readiness for other measures should an agreement not be reached. The Prime Minister's comments reflect a deep-seated concern within Israel about Iran's nuclear ambitions and its regional influence through proxy forces.
We have destroyed many nuclear facilities, but there is still material left, and our work is not yet finished.
The Israeli perspective, as articulated by Netanyahu, views the situation not merely as a bilateral issue but as a critical component of regional stability. The continued existence of Iranian-backed proxy groups and their ballistic missile programs are seen as direct threats that require ongoing attention and action. This comprehensive approach underscores Israel's commitment to neutralizing all avenues through which Iran can project power and threaten its security and that of its allies.
We have to go in and take it out.
From an Israeli viewpoint, the international community's focus on specific aspects of the Iranian threat, such as enriched uranium, sometimes overlooks the broader network of destabilizing activities. This article, as reported by Hankyoreh, aims to convey the Israeli leadership's perspective, which encompasses a wider range of security concerns and a determination to address them proactively. The emphasis on removing the nuclear material reflects a pragmatic, albeit firm, strategy to achieve a lasting resolution.
If we can go in and take it out through an agreement, why not? That's the best way.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.