Trump tells Netanyahu final Iran deal must dismantle nuclear program

President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not sign a final deal with Iran without the complete dismantling of Tehran's nuclear program. Trump also insisted on the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian soil, according to a senior Israeli official.

In a phone call Saturday evening, Trump "clarified that he would remain firm in negotiations regarding his long-standing demand for the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory, and that he would not sign a final agreement without these conditions being met," the official stated.

The U.S. is briefing Jerusalem on negotiations for a memorandum of understanding concerning the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and discussions for a final agreement on contentious issues. Netanyahu thanked Trump for his "excellent commitment to Israel's security."

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He clarified that he would remain firm in negotiations regarding his long-standing demand for the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory, and that he would not sign a final agreement without these conditions being met.

However, the New York Times reported Saturday that the U.S. has nearly completely excluded Israel from the negotiations. The Israeli prime minister told Trump that Israel would maintain its freedom of action against "all threats in all sectors," according to the Israeli official. Trump reiterated his support for this principle.

Axios reported that the memorandum of understanding under negotiation includes an end to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel retaining the ability to attack Hezbollah if the organization incites or carries out attacks. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran has not agreed to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium under the preliminary agreement. Israeli security officials acknowledge that Israel has been "completely sidelined" by the Trump administration, with its leaders minimally involved in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations. Israeli officials have had to learn about contacts between Washington and Tehran through regional leaders and diplomats.

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Israel will maintain its freedom of action against threats in all sectors, including Lebanon, and President Trump reiterated his support for this principle.