Netanyahu Urges Full Dismantling of Iran Nuclear Program, Signals Shift in U.S. Aid Policy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has made clear to U.S. President Donald Trump that any new U.S.–Iran nuclear deal must go beyond limiting uranium enrichment and instead require the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Speaking at the annual Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel opposes any agreement allowing Iran to retain enrichment capabilities.

According to Netanyahu, a credible nuclear agreement with Iran must ensure that enriched uranium is removed from Iranian territory and that the equipment and facilities enabling enrichment are fully dismantled. “There shall be no enrichment capability,” he said, stressing that simply pausing enrichment activities would not be sufficient to prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear program in the future.

The remarks come ahead of a second round of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks scheduled for this week. Iran has indicated it is seeking a deal that would provide economic benefits to both countries, while addressing longstanding tensions over its nuclear ambitions. The renewed negotiations aim to resolve decades of disputes and prevent a potential military confrontation in the Middle East. U.S. officials have reportedly deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region and are preparing contingency plans should diplomacy fail.

Netanyahu also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that Israel must “complete the job” of destroying Hamas tunnels. He noted that Israeli forces have already dismantled approximately 150 kilometers of an estimated 500-kilometer tunnel network.

In addition, the Israeli prime minister signaled a major shift in Israel–U.S. defense relations. Netanyahu said Israel plans to phase out U.S. military aid over the next decade once the current 10-year, $3.8 billion-per-year agreement expires in 2028. Citing Israel’s strong economy, he proposed gradually reducing financial assistance to zero and transitioning the bilateral relationship “from aid to partnership.”