Iran on Monday firmly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands to completely dismantle its nuclear program, warning that any Israeli strike against its facilities would trigger serious consequences.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded via his Twitter account, criticizing what he called Israel’s “illusion” that it could dictate Iran’s actions.
“This notion is so far removed from reality that it does not even merit a response,” Araghchi wrote.
Araghchi also condemned Netanyahu’s “impudence” in attempting to influence U.S. diplomatic efforts, particularly those led by President Donald Trump, regarding negotiations with Tehran.
Accusations Against Netanyahu’s Allies
The Iranian foreign minister further accused Netanyahu’s allies — particularly figures from the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden — of trying to misrepresent the current indirect U.S.-Iran talks as a simple revival of the 2015 nuclear deal.
“Iran is strong and confident enough in its capabilities to thwart any external attempts to sabotage its foreign policy,” Araghchi emphasized.
“Whatever Netanyahu’s allies say or do will not change the reality that many Iranians now seek tangible gains beyond the old nuclear agreement.”
He concluded his remarks by warning that there is no viable military solution, adding:
“Any attack will be met with an immediate and decisive response.”
Shamkhani Issues Direct Warning
In a related development, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, echoed the warning. In a post on X, he stated that Netanyahu’s threats against Iran’s nuclear capabilities would bring “consequences for Israel beyond imagination.”
Shamkhani questioned whether Israel’s threats were made independently or coordinated with Washington to pressure the course of the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Netanyahu Demands Total Dismantling
On Sunday, Netanyahu called for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure during a speech in Jerusalem, following the conclusion of the third round of U.S.-Iranian talks.
“You must dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. It must not be able to enrich uranium,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that any agreement must also “deprive Iran of ballistic missiles.”
Netanyahu has long argued that only a full dismantling of Iran’s enrichment capabilities would prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite rising tensions, U.S. and Iranian officials have described the latest round of talks, mediated by Oman, as “positive and constructive.” Both sides are reportedly working to narrow differences ahead of a fourth round of negotiations next week.
President Donald Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term, has reinstated a policy of maximum pressure on Tehran, tightening economic sanctions. However, Trump recently expressed optimism, saying:
“We’ll reach a deal with Iran without dropping bombs.”
Sources indicate that while Israeli officials continue to push for direct military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, President Trump has communicated to Netanyahu that the United States is not prepared to support such an operation at this time.
