Donald Trump backs down on one of Israel's key demands in the conflict with Iran. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu continues to demand the removal of Iran's enriched uranium - something that now looks set to create an open rift between Washington and Tel Aviv.
In recent weeks, Netanyahu has been pushing the line that the war against Iran cannot be ended as long as the country still has its enriched uranium. In a interview with CBS, the Israeli Prime Minister made it clear that the issue is central to Israel's continued war aims.
- It is not over, as there is still nuclear material and enriched uranium to be taken out of Iran, he said.
When asked how this would happen, he replied:
- You go in and take it out. That is the best way.
But now signals Donald Trump something completely different. In an interview with Fox News he says he no longer considers it particularly important to remove Iran's uranium stocks.
- I don't think it is necessary other than from a PR point of view, he says, It would just feel better if I got it, actually.
Open rift on the goals of war
The statement thus goes against Netanyahu's line and risks creating new tensions between the US and Israel. While Netanyahu describes uranium as a crucial reason to continue the conflict, Trump now downplays the issue and suggests that it is mainly about symbolism and public opinion.
Meanwhile, Trump has signaled in recent days that he wants to avoid a longer war and faces growing pressure at home, where the conflict has become increasingly unpopular. Netanyahu, on the other hand, continues to talk about more military operations and wants to stick to the goal of pushing Iran back fully.
Could change the whole negotiation
The issue of Iran's enriched uranium has been one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the negotiations between the US and Iran. Iran has refused to hand over the material, saying it has the right to its own nuclear technology.
If Trump is now prepared to drop the demand, it could change the entire balance of power in the negotiations - while risking increasing conflict with Netanyahu and the Israeli government.
Sensational statement by Trump, it means that the US (Trump's) efforts and crazy bombings have been a PR issue, huh?????
Could it get any crazier?
Clearly, Iran must be allowed to keep its uranium as long as it is threatened by the nuclear state of Israel, which is known for its abuses against neighboring countries.