‘With or without a deal’: Netanyahu vows Iran will not have nuclear weapons; rejects US Gaza plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday dismissed a Gaza plan endorsed by US President Donald Trump, asserting Israel would not remove its forces until Hamas is fully disarmed. The 15-point document, which Hamas approved in late July, was rejected by Netanyahu during a cabinet meeting. He emphasized that the military would persist in countering threats against its forces and citizens until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.

The plan is part of a US-led ceasefire initiated in October, which has slowed but not ended Israeli military activities in Gaza. In a separate statement, Netanyahu vowed that Iran would not acquire nuclear weapons, regardless of whether Iran reaches an agreement with the United States or a broader diplomatic deal is reached. He reiterated his stance that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is a clear threat, a claim Tehran has denied.

Netanyahu's comments came as diplomatic efforts between Iran, the US, and regional countries continue amidst a five-month-long conflict that has disrupted oil exports and raised concerns over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Israeli leader's remarks also followed reported progress in talks between Iran and Oman. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied direct talks with Washington, stating that Iran would not engage in negotiations with the US as long as Washington breaches an interim agreement signed in June.

Araqchi also mentioned that an agreement with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz is in the final stages, but it would not immediately reopen the waterway. Iranian officials have suggested that the understanding would establish new shipping lanes for vessels once Iran and the US fulfill other conditions.