Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran war not over until enriched uranium removed, calls for dismantling of enrichment sites

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a CBS News "60 Minutes" interview aired Sunday that the war between the US and Iran is not over, as Iran still possesses enriched uranium and active enrichment sites. He emphasized that the material must be "taken out" and the sites dismantled, adding, "You go in and you take it out," when asked about removal methods. Netanyahu claimed US President Donald Trump shares his stance, citing Trump's private comment: "I want to go in there." However, Trump's public position differs. In an interview with journalist Sharyl Attkisson, also aired Sunday but recorded earlier, Trump declared Iran "militarily defeated" and asserted that the uranium could be removed "whenever we want," relying on surveillance and threats of force. Netanyahu acknowledged that while military options exist, he would not discuss them or provide a timetable. He expressed preference for an agreement to physically remove the uranium, saying, "That's the best way." He also noted unresolved war aims, including Iran's continued support for proxy groups, its ballistic missile production, and external assistance from China. Netanyahu confirmed Beijing provides components for missile manufacturing but declined to elaborate. He suggested a collapse of Iran's regime could dismantle Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, though he stopped short of predicting such an outcome, stating, "Is it possible? Yes. Is it guaranteed? No." Netanyahu also said he has urged Trump to reduce US military aid to Israel from $3.8 billion annually to zero over the next decade, saying, "Let's start now, and do it over the next decade."

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