Netanyahu Says Trump Agrees Final Iran Deal Must Eliminate Nuclear Threat

(CNA, Jerusalem, May 24) As expectations rise for a deal between Washington and Tehran to end the conflict in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that he and US President Donald Trump agreed that any final deal with Iran must completely eliminate the country's "nuclear threat." According to AFP, Netanyahu's remarks referred to a phone call between him and Trump last night. Netanyahu said in a statement: "President Trump and I agree that any final deal with Iran must completely eliminate the nuclear threat. This means dismantling Iran's uranium enrichment facilities and removing enriched nuclear materials from its territory." He also noted: "My policy, like President Trump's, remains unchanged: Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons." Netanyahu revealed that the two also discussed a memorandum of understanding regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu further claimed that Trump reaffirmed his support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats on all fronts, "including Lebanon." Trump earlier posted on his social media platform, Truth Social: "Negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner. I have told my representatives not to rush into a deal; time is on our side." He also mentioned: "Blockades will remain fully in effect until a deal is reached, verified, and signed."