Netanyahu calls for ‘ better deal’ with Iran

Israel PM Netanyahu said on Tuesday that a framework agreement sought by international negotiators to rein in Iran’s nuclear programme would leave it with the capability to develop atomic weapons within a year

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday it was not too late for world powers locked in nuclear negotiations with Iran to demand a “better deal”.

He made the comments before meeting in Jerusalem with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, John Boehner, a leading Republican and strong critic of the White House’s policy on Iran.

“Now is the time for the international community to insist on a better deal,” Mr Netanyahu said in a televised statement delivered in English.

“A better deal would significantly roll back Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. A better deal would link the eventual lifting of the restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program to a change in Iran’s behaviour,” he said, citing threats to annihilate Israel and accusing Tehran of fomenting regional conflict.

Mr Netanyahu said on Tuesday that a framework agreement sought by international negotiators to rein in Iran’s nuclear programme would leave it with the capability to develop atomic weapons within a year.

Iran denies trying to develop a nuclear weapons capability.

Israel, which is believed to have West Asia’s only nuclear arsenal, is not a party to the negotiations.

Iran was expected to be high on the agenda of Mr Netanyahu’s talks with Mr Boehner, who is visiting the region with a Republican delegation.

Avoiding stepping deeper into controversy with the White House over the issue, neither Mr Boehner nor Mr Netanyahu mentioned the nuclear talks in comments to reporters at the Israeli leader’s office.

Mr Boehner’s invitation to Mr Netanyahu to address the US Congress last month on the Iranian issue drew accusations that both men were pursuing partisan politics at the expense of traditionally wide support for Israel on Capitol Hill.