Netanyahu speaks with Putin after Iran accusations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It took place at Israel’s initiative and concerned, among other things, allegations made earlier by Netanyahu against Iran that Tehran continues its nuclear program in defiance of the "nuclear deal".
During the telephone conversation, the Kremlin’s press service reports, Putin confirmed Russia’s stance that "The JCPOA [plan], which is of paramount importance for ensuring international stability and security, must be strictly observed by all parties."
On Monday, April 30, Netanyahu claimed that Tehran is secretly continuing to work on nuclear weapons and hiding evidence from the global community. In support of this, he presented part of the secret "nuclear archive" of Iran - documents obtained by Israeli intelligence.
Tehran has denied the accusations. According to a statement by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the Israeli accusations are "childish and ridiculous". "Netanyahu’s show was a childish and ridiculous game ... The planned show ahead of May 12 deadline is to affect Trump’s decision on Iran’s nuclear deal," Reuters quotes Araghchi as saying.
US President Donald Trump promised to decide by May 12 whether the United States will stay or leave the "nuclear deal" with Iran. The agreement was concluded in 2015 between the United States, Russia, Britain, France, Germany and China on the one hand, and Iran on the other. The deal implies a gradual lifting of sanctions on Tehran in exchange for the latter’s abandonment of its nuclear program. Iran also had to admit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to its nuclear facilities.