Israel Presses to Shape a Potential US-Iran Deal Amid Ongoing War

The war that began on 28 February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran continues, while Washington negotiates a settlement with Tehran. Israeli officials warn that a US-Iran agreement that leaves Iran’s nuclear program, missile arsenal, or proxy network untouched would be viewed as an incomplete war outcome.

CNN

Israel is pushing for two new clauses: a full prohibition on uranium enrichment during any “sunset” period and the dismantling of the underground Fordow and Pickaxe Mountain facilities, which it says are central to Iran’s nuclear capability.

CNNThe Jerusalem Post

The White House says negotiations focus on uranium enrichment levels and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel insists any deal must prevent Iran from restarting enrichment and must include dismantling of key sites. Both governments have kept military options on standby, planning possible strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure if talks collapse.

CNN

Israeli security advisers, including former national-security adviser Meir Ben Shabbat, argue that a partial settlement would allow Tehran to recover financially and militarily. Lawmaker Boaz Bismuth summed the stance in a tweet: “It’s either negotiations or a boom.”

CNN

Sources disagree on the exact language of the proposed “sunset clause” and whether it would permit future enrichment. US officials claim Iran’s ballistic missiles are destroyed, yet Israeli sources say missile capabilities remain a concern. The precise terms for dismantling Fordow and Pickaxe Mountain have not been disclosed.

CNN

A settlement that fails to curb Iran’s nuclear pathway could stabilize the regime, restore its regional influence, and keep the Strait of Hormuz partially closed, sustaining global oil price volatility.

RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

• “The primary concern is that Trump will grow tired of talks and cut a deal – any deal – with last-minute concessions,” — Israeli source

The Jerusalem Post

• “We will be happy if there will be no deal, we will be happy if the siege on Hormuz continues, and we will be happy if Iran gets a few more strikes.” — senior Israeli official

The Jerusalem Post

• “Their ballistic missiles are destroyed, their production facilities are dismantled, their navy is sunk, and their proxies are weakened,” — Olivia Wales, White House spokesperson

CNN

• “The most important objective is the removal of enriched material from Iran – all of the enriched material – and the dismantling of Iran’s enrichment capabilities,” — Benjamin Netanyahu

CNN

Israel is readying contingency strikes should negotiations stall, while Vice President JD Vance claims progress toward a deal that meets Trump’s red line. Netanyahu’s coalition is debating early elections, a move that could reshape Israel’s negotiating posture.

CNN