Israel PM slams deal over Iran nuclear programme

Israel's Prime Minister on Sunday criticized an emerging deal over Iran's nuclear program, saying it would be weaker than a previous agreement and would create a "more violent, more volatile Middle East." World powers have been negotiating in Vienna in a bid to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which was left in tatters after the Trump administration, goaded by Israel, withdrew.

The original deal granted Iran relief from crippling economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Israel vehemently opposed that accord and has urged negotiators to take a hard line against Iran in the current round of talks. Iran has used the interim period to march ahead with its enrichment of uranium to levels approaching weapons grade.

The 10-year limits on enrichment and other key aspects of Iran's nuclear program in the original deal are set to be lifted in 2025. Israel considers Iran to be its greatest enemy. It strongly opposed the 2015 deal. Israel also insisted that the negotiations must be accompanied by a "credible" military threat to ensure that Iran does not delay indefinitely.

Under the strong encouragement of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump withdrew from the original deal in 2018, causing it to unravel. Since then, Iran has stepped up its nuclear activities -- amassing a stockpile of highly enriched uranium that goes well beyond the bounds of the accord.