Netanyahu: I asked world leaders to wait with Iran deal
Prime minister reveals his part in drama that saw Geneva talks concluding Saturday without nuclear agreement; says he told world leaders impending deal is 'bad, not just for us but for them too'
"I told them that according to the information Israel has, the impending deal is bad and dangerous. Not just for us but for them too." He further added, "I asked them what was the rush and I suggested that they wait and consider the matter seriously."
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Netanyahu made the statements during a special cabinet meeting that was held at the Sde Boker academy to mark 40 years since the passing of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion.
"The deal at once lifts the pressure of sanctions which have taken years to put in place, and leaves Iran with its nuclear and enrichment capabilities intact. Not one centrifuge is to be dismantled. These are historic decisions. I asked that they wait and I'm pleased they have decided (to do) so."
Netanyahu further added, "I'm not kidding myself. There is a strong desire to reach an agreement. I hope not at any cost. We need a good deal – not a bad one; one that narrows or completely dismantles Iran's ability to obtain a nuclear weapon. We shall do everything in our power to persuade the leaders not to reach a bad deal."
Commenting on the location of the cabinet meeting, the prime minister said that it reflects the government's commitment to developing the Negev. The cabinet is set to approve the establishment of two new communities in the south and a visitors' center in Beersheba.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran's president Hassan Rohani said that its "rights to enrichment" of uranium were "red lines" that would not be crossed and that the Islamic Republic had acted rationally and tactfully during nuclear negotiations, Iranian media reported.
"We have said to the negotiating sides that we will not answer to any threat, sanction, humiliation or discrimination. The Islamic Republic has not and will not bow its head to threats from any authority," he said during a speech at the National Assembly, Iran's student news agency (ISNA) said.
"For us there are red lines that cannot be crossed. National interests are our red lines that include our rights under the framework of international regulations and (uranium) enrichment in Iran."
On Saturday, Iran and six world powers failed in talks to clinch a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear program but said differences had narrowed and they would resume negotiations in 10 days to try to end the decade-old standoff.
Talks are set to resume in Geneva on November 20.
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