
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that the removal of enriched nuclear material from Iranian territory is the "threshold condition" for ending the military campaign.
During a speech on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Katz stressed that although Iran's nuclear program has been severely hit, the presence of enriched uranium remains a danger that allows Tehran to resume weapons production at any moment, according to Ynet.
"The removal of enriched material is a primary condition for ending the campaign against Iran. Israel and the United States have identified this issue as essential to any future agreement," Katz declared, adding that Israel is today "stronger and more secure."
Despite the bellicose rhetoric, diplomatic sources suggest that talks between Washington and Tehran could resume as early as this week. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has sought contact about a deal, but he remains adamantly opposed to any pact that allows it to enrich uranium to military levels.
A senior US official confirmed to Fox News that the recent pressure, including the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, has significantly increased concern in Tehran, forcing them to sit down at the table.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have roiled international markets.
Although the price of oil fell below $100 a barrel due to uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered its forecast for global growth, warning that a prolonged conflict could push the world economy into recession.
While the focus is on Iran, ceasefire agreements on other fronts are largely holding, despite Israel continuing to strike Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated his firm stance: “Israel will never allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.”