Rafael chairman Prof. Yitzhak Steinitz criticized the emerging US-Iran nuclear deal, arguing that leaving enriched uranium in Iran and permitting low-level enrichment means Tehran regains nuclear threshold status within one to two years. He described the agreement as "better than nothing" but fundamentally flawed — echoing Israel's warnings against the 2015 Obama-era framework.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems chairman Prof. Yitzhak Steinitz delivered a sharp critique of the emerging US-Iran nuclear framework during a Saturday afternoon event at Moshav Mash'en, as reported by journalist Daphna Liel. Steinitz warned that by leaving enriched uranium in Iranian hands and permitting continued low-level enrichment, the deal effectively allows Iran to return to nuclear threshold status within one to two years. He described the agreement as "better than nothing" but reiterated the assessment Israeli leaders made after the 2015 Obama-era accord: "it's a bad deal because a year from the bomb is not a very long time."
The statement joins a growing chorus of Israeli security and political figures publicly opposing the emerging framework, which has been the subject of intensive reporting and analysis. As The Zioneer reported last week, the White House estimated an 85% chance of signing a memorandum of understanding in the coming days, but the text released by US officials indicates that enriched uranium would remain on Iranian soil — a key point of contention for Israeli critics. Steinitz's remarks underscore the ongoing anxiety in Israel's security establishment over the terms of the agreement, though the exact text and implementation timeline remain unverified.
- DevelopingIsraeli security analyst warns US-Iran deal leaves nuclear threat, Hezbollah intact
- StrongEx-Mossad chief Steinitz: military achievements against Iran are significant despite emerging deal
- StrongJerusalem Center director warns US-Iran deal grants Tehran strategic breathing room without resolving nuclear, proxy threats
- DevelopingWhite House senior official estimates 85% chance of Iran deal, outlines terms
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