Netanyahu, Trump Agree Iran Must Not Retain Nuclear Capability; Rubio Signals Diplomatic Progress

Jerusalem, May 2026 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he and US President Donald Trump have agreed that any final agreement with Iran must completely eliminate the possibility of Tehran developing nuclear weapons.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Netanyahu said he held discussions with President Trump regarding efforts connected to the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.

“I spoke last night with President Trump about the memorandum of understanding to reopen the Straits of Hormuz and the upcoming negotiations toward a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli Prime Minister expressed appreciation for what he described as Trump’s “unwavering commitment” to Israel’s security, particularly during recent military operations involving both countries against Iran-backed threats in the region.

Netanyahu referred to Operation Roaring Lion and Epic Fury, saying American and Israeli forces had fought “shoulder to shoulder” against Iranian threats. He stressed that both leaders were united in their position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

“President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear danger. That means dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites and removing its enriched nuclear material from its territory,” Netanyahu stated.

He also said Trump reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against threats across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, where tensions involving Hezbollah continue to remain high.

“The partnership between us and our two countries has been proven on the battlefield and has never been stronger,” Netanyahu wrote, adding that his government’s policy remains unchanged.

“My policy, like President Trump’s, remains unchanged: Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” he asserted.

Netanyahu’s remarks came amid renewed diplomatic activity involving the United States, Iran, and regional stakeholders over maritime security and Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that diplomatic negotiations involving Iran had made “significant progress,” while hinting that developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz could emerge within hours.

Speaking during a joint press conference in New Delhi alongside India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio said discussions were moving in a positive direction, though he cautioned that negotiations were still ongoing.

“I do think perhaps there is the possibility that over the next few hours the world will get some good news, at least with regards to the Straits and with regards to a process that can ultimately leave us where the President wants us to be,” Rubio said.

He explained that the goal of the United States remained ensuring that the world no longer has to fear the possibility of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Rubio added that while progress had been achieved, further work remained before any final understanding could be reached.

“I do think there’s some good news on that front, but not final news on that front. Perhaps a little bit later today, we’ll have more to say. Some progress has been made. I don’t want to downplay that. But I also want to caveat it by saying we still have some work to do,” he said.

Rubio reiterated President Trump’s long-standing position that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons, underlining that Washington remained committed to pursuing both diplomatic and strategic measures to address the issue.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, has remained at the centre of geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and regional powers. Any disruption in the passage is closely monitored globally due to its impact on international energy supplies and trade.

The latest statements from Netanyahu and Rubio indicate growing coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv as diplomatic efforts intensify over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)