Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said the U.S. is not very close to reaching a peace deal with Iran [1, 2].
The statement suggests a significant gap remains between diplomatic hopes and the reality of Iranian nuclear ambitions. This assessment comes as global observers monitor the potential for a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear program and stabilize regional tensions.
Speaking during an interview on Sky News Australia with host Sharri Markson, Haskel said her conclusion is based on current communications from the Iranian government [1, 2]. She said she has monitored press releases, social media accounts, and official remarks from the Iranian regime [1].
"I read a lot of the press release, the Twitter accounts and the remarks the leftovers from the Iranian regime are saying, I don't think we are very close," Haskel said [1].
Haskel said Iranian rhetoric regarding enriched uranium and nuclear capabilities is evidence that a diplomatic breakthrough is not imminent [1, 2]. She said the actual state of negotiations is not as advanced as some believe [1].
"I hear what they say about the enriched uranium, about their capability … it’s not as close as people believe," Haskel said [1].
The Israeli official's comments highlight the ongoing friction regarding Iran's nuclear trajectory. While the U.S. has historically sought a diplomatic framework to limit Iran's nuclear reach, the persistence of uranium enrichment continues to be a primary point of contention for Israel and its allies [1, 2].
“"I don't think we are very close."”
The remarks from the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister reflect a skepticism toward U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to contain Iran's nuclear program. By focusing on uranium enrichment, Israel emphasizes that technical capabilities and regime rhetoric are more reliable indicators of intent than the optimistic projections of diplomatic channels.
