Iran, Israel Deny Reports on Imminent Nuclear Deal Disruption

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran's commitment to diplomacy in ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, condemning media disinformation and criticizing Israel for attempting to undermine the talks through false narratives. Araghchi highlighted that any agreement must fully lift sanctions and preserve Iran's nuclear rights, dismissing recent intelligence claims of an active Iranian nuclear weapons program as contradictory to U.S. intelligence assessments. Meanwhile, Israel has categorically denied New York Times reports alleging that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to disrupt the U.S.-Iran nuclear deal talks by potentially striking Iran's nuclear facilities. The reports, based on unnamed officials, suggested Israeli concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump might accept Iran retaining its enrichment capabilities, which Israel considers a red line, and that Israel could launch a strike on short notice. Israel's government called these claims "fake news," reaffirming the importance of unity and patience in the negotiation process, while U.S. officials have engaged with Israeli counterparts to address these concerns. The main sticking point in the negotiations remains Iran's refusal to abandon its nuclear enrichment facilities, which the U.S. insists upon for any deal.