Axios: The US and Israel Seek to Hold Their Postponed Meeting on Iran

The Axios news website, citing five American and Israeli officials, reported that Israel and the United States agreed to hold a meeting on Iran in July; a meeting that was canceled last week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Biden administration of withholding weapons from Israel. Axios wrote on Tuesday, citing Israeli officials, that there are increasing concerns in Israel regarding the development of Iran's nuclear program, and Israeli leaders believe that these actions by Iran are likely aimed at building nuclear weapons, an accusation that Iranian officials have always denied. Axios further mentioned the Strategic Consultation Group between Israel and the United States, established in 2009 during Barack Obama's presidency, aimed at consulting on Iran's nuclear program. According to Axios, this working group is overseen by the national security advisors of Israel and the United States and consists of representatives from the National Security Council, the State Department, and the intelligence and security agencies of both countries. The report states that the White House is dissatisfied with Netanyahu's remarks regarding how US military assistance is provided to Israel. Axios, citing American and Israeli officials, noted that this working group has not met since March 2023, while Iran's nuclear program has significantly advanced during this period. The Strategic Consultation Group was supposed to meet last Thursday after this long hiatus, but the White House canceled it after Netanyahu accused the Biden administration of stopping the supply of weapons to Israel. John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, defended the Biden administration's record on weapon deliveries to Israel, stating: 'Netanyahu's video was as incorrect as it was disturbing and disappointing. We have communicated our concerns to the Israeli government.' Axios adds that the exact date of the meeting has not yet been determined, but it is expected to take place in mid-July, before Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress scheduled for July 24. The report also states that a high-level Israeli delegation led by Tzachi Hanegbi, National Security Advisor, and Ron Dermer, Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs, will head to Washington for negotiations on this matter. The Axios report comes as Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, reiterated on Tuesday during meetings with US officials in Washington that Iran's nuclear program poses a threat to the world and warned of the potential for the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons. Mr. Gallant stated in a meeting with Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense, 'The greatest threat to the future of the world and our region is Iran, and there is not much time left.' He added, 'Now is the time to remind the US government of its long-standing commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.'