Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Says Iran War Not Over Until Enriched Uranium Removed
5/10/2026, 11:59:55 PM
War With Iran Not Over: Netanyahu’s Conditions for Peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS’s *60 Minutes* that the conflict with the Islamic Republic “is not over” because Iran still possesses “nuclear material—enriched uranium—that has to be taken out” and retains “enrichment sites that have to be dismantled.” He added that the mission to remove the material is “terrifically important” and that, if an agreement is reached, the best solution would be for forces to “go in and take it out.”
Background & Context
The U.S.–Iran war began on 28 February 2026, prompting Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz and the United States to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The blockade has driven global oil prices higher and spurred a fragile cease-fire mediated by Pakistan (army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir) and Qatar (prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani). A U.S. proposal seeks a broader arrangement that would reopen the strait, roll back Iran’s nuclear program, and eventually end hostilities.
Key Figures & Groups
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Israeli prime minister, primary voice on the war’s continuation.
- Donald Trump – U.S. president, publicly supporting a possible “go in” operation to seize the uranium.
- Mike Waltz – U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, emphasizing diplomatic chances before renewed hostilities.
- Marco Rubio – U.S. secretary of state, meeting Qatari officials on the memorandum of understanding.
- Abbas Araghchi – Iran’s foreign minister, condemning U.S. “military adventure.”
- Rafael Grossi – IAEA director-general, noting most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely at the Isfahan complex.
Data & Statistics
- International monitors estimate Iran retains ?970 pounds (?440 kg) of uranium enriched to 60 % purity, a short step from weapons-grade.
- The United Nations atomic watchdog reports the material is concentrated at the Isfahan nuclear complex, which suffered earlier U.S.–Israeli airstrikes.
Official Statements & Responses
Netanyahu emphasized that degraded capabilities remain: “Now we’ve degraded a lot of it, but all that is still there and there’s work to be done.” He declined to discuss specific military options or timelines. President Trump, in a Truth Social post, called Iran’s counter-offer “totally unacceptable” and later said the United States could retrieve the uranium “whenever we want,” adding that any attempt to approach the sites would be met with decisive force. U.S. officials, including Ambassador Waltz and Secretary of State Rubio, stressed that diplomacy “every chance we possibly can” is being pursued before any renewed military action. Iran’s foreign ministry accused Washington of preferring “military adventure” over diplomatic solutions and warned of a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases if its shipping is attacked.
Criticism & Opposition
Iranian officials argue that the U.S. and Israel are demanding the dismantling of enrichment facilities while offering only a short-term suspension of uranium enrichment, far below the U.S. 20-year moratorium request. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cautioned that opening the Strait of Hormuz militarily would be “a challenge” and stressed that a negotiated settlement “takes time.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Iran’s stance: agrees to suspend enrichment for a period shorter than the U.S. 20-year proposal and rejects dismantling facilities.
- U.S. demand: seeks permanent dismantlement and a longer suspension.
- Verification: The IAEA has not confirmed the exact location or quantity of the uranium, creating uncertainty about removal feasibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You go in, and you take it out.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister
- “I'm not going to give a timetable to it, but I'm going to say that's a terrifically important mission,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “I’m not going to talk about military means, but the president, what President Trump has said to me – ‘I want to go in there.’” — Donald Trump, U.S. president (as reported by Netanyahu)
- “If anybody got near the place, we will know about it, and we’ll blow them up,” Trump said.” — Donald Trump
What’s Next
Negotiations continue through Pakistani and Qatari channels, with a tentative memorandum of understanding expected in the coming weeks. President Trump’s upcoming trip to China may shape U.S. leverage in the talks. Meanwhile, both sides maintain military postures: the U.S. has deployed the destroyer HMS Dragon and other assets to protect shipping, while Iran has signaled readiness to defend its nuclear sites. The removal of Iran’s enriched uranium remains the pivotal condition for declaring the war concluded.
