Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [Yonhap News File Photo]

Amid ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on the 10th (local time) that the war will not end unless uranium within Iran is removed.

In an interview broadcast on CBS's flagship current affairs program "60 Minutes" that day, Netanyahu said that highly enriched uranium must be removed from Iran and Iran's uranium enrichment facilities must be dismantled, thus expressing his stance.

Referring to Iran's nuclear capabilities, Netanyahu assessed, "We have significantly weakened the nuclear capability [in the Iran war]." He also stated that Iran's proxy forces in other countries and Iran's missile manufacturing capabilities have been considerably weakened.

However, Netanyahu indicated that the war would continue if highly enriched uranium within Iran is not removed, stating that there is still work to be done as uranium and nuclear facilities remain in Iran.

International nuclear watchdog organizations estimate that Iran possesses approximately 970 pounds (about 440 kg) of bomb-grade highly enriched uranium.

Netanyahu emphasized that resolving the issue of uranium removal through a nuclear deal with Iran is the best approach.

He evaded a specific answer when asked what would happen if the nuclear negotiations were not concluded.

Netanyahu stated, "I will not present a timetable for resolving the Iran uranium issue," while emphasizing, "Removing Iran's uranium is an extremely important mission."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [EPA=Yonhap News File Photo]

Netanyahu also courted controversy with remarks partially acknowledging his responsibility for the Hamas militant group's infiltration attack into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 casualties, while also assigning blame to both the military and intelligence agencies.

These remarks became known through the release of a transcript from an "off-the-mic" (private) segment that was not broadcast.

Regarding the criticism that he alone remains in his position while most security officials at the time of the events that led to the Gaza war have resigned or been dismissed, Netanyahu dismissed it by saying, "Some left because their terms ended."

He then responded cynically to those who resigned taking responsibility, saying, "They said they were taking responsibility, but I don't know what that responsibility precisely means."

Netanyahu also said, "Let's look at the political sphere, the military, and the security apparatus. Everyone, starting with me as Prime Minister, down to those below, shares some degree of responsibility."

While emphasizing shared responsibility, Netanyahu continues to refuse the establishment of a "State Investigation Commission," the highest level of independent investigative body in Israel. Instead, he has proposed the formation of a politically appointed committee, which is interpreted as an attempt to exert influence over the investigation's outcome.

Netanyahu strongly argued that the response after the disaster is more important than the security failures prior to it.

He asserted, "The real issue is what we did after October 7th," and claimed, "My duty was to save Israel from the 'death trap' set by Iran."