Iran cannot be trusted, Netanyahu warns

Image
AFP Jerusalem
Last Updated : Apr 12 2015 | 1:32 PM IST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kept up his assault on the framework nuclear deal between world powers and Iran, warning that the Islamic republic could not be trusted.
It was the latest attack on the emerging deal under which Iran would curtail its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from punishing economic sanctions.
Following marathon talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne, the negotiators agreed on a framework deal on April 2, which Israel has repeatedly denounced as an "historic mistake".
"To my regret, all of the things I warned about vis-a-vis the framework agreement that was put together in Lausanne are coming true before our eyes," Netanyahu said.
"This framework gives the leading terrorist state in the world a certain path to nuclear bombs," he warned.
"How can such a country be trusted?"
The emerging deal, which is to be finalised by June 30, would leave Iran with "significant nuclear capabilities," he said.
"It is not dismantling them, it is preserving them. We also see that the inspection is not serious... As of now, there is no monitoring," he said.
"We see that the sanctions are being lifted, immediately, according to Iran's demand, and this is without Iran having changed its policy of aggression everywhere."
Israel and many Western governments suspect Iran's civilian nuclear programme is a front for efforts to build a military capability -- a charge which Tehran denies.
Israel has the Middle East's sole, albeit undeclared, nuclear arsenal.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 12 2015 | 1:32 PM IST

Next Story