Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that a proposed US–Iran agreement appears to prioritise US interests and urged Washington to also address Iran's missile programme and support for armed groups. Katz stressed Israel must retain the capability to act independently to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and said Israel would maintain designated security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Diplomats from the US, Iran and Pakistan said they were close to finalising a peace-deal text.
Israel Defence Minister Warns US–Iran Deal Risks Overlooking Wider Security Concerns
FILE PHOTO - Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz is pictured in Jerusalem. (is associated with: «Israeli defence minister warns against Iran concessions») Hannes P Albert/dpa
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday expressed strong reservations about a potential agreement between the United States and Iran, saying the deal being pursued by US President Donald Trump appears to prioritise American interests over broader regional security.
Key Concerns from Jerusalem
Katz said Israel expects Washington to remain committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but urged that any deal also address Iran's missile programme and Tehran's financial and military support for armed groups across the region. He warned that those elements pose direct threats to Israeli security.
"The US president is currently working toward an agreement with Iran with American interests in mind, including the shared interest with Israel — to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons — and we expect him to stand by this principle," Katz wrote on Telegram.
Emphasising Israel's need to retain autonomy, Katz said the country must preserve the ability to act independently to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. "Our security concept is clear and unambiguous: we act against threats near and far and strive for decisive victories, not compromises or concessions," he wrote.
Security Zones and Regional Actors
The defence minister also said Israel would not withdraw from the "security zones" he has designated in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip, citing threats from "jihadist forces and organizations." Observers note this likely refers to groups such as Hamas in Gaza and the Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, both of which receive support from Iran.
Separately, officials from the United States, Iran and mediator Pakistan indicated they were close to finalising the text of a peace deal intended to end the war that began at the end of February. Katz's statement suggests Israel seeks assurances that any agreement will address not only nuclear restrictions but also missile capabilities and proxy support.
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