Nuclear Iran Will Destabilize Entire World, Lapid Says In Germany

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who is on a state visit to Germany, reiterated Monday that the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran would be a "crucial mistake."

During a joint press conference in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Lapid said he provided the chancellor with sensitive intelligence information that supports Israel's opposition to the looming agreement.

Stressing the need for a new strategy to stop Iran's nuclear program, he said, "Removing sanctions and pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into Iran will bring waves of terrorism, not only to the Middle East, but also across Europe." He added, “A nuclear Iran will destabilize the Middle East, and create a nuclear arms race that will endanger the entire world.”

Lapid welcomed the statement released by Germany, Britain and France who said September 10, that they had "serious doubts" about Tehran's intentions to reach a nuclear deal.

Scholz, for his part, said the Islamic Republic must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. He said Germany and the other European powers had made suggestions that Iran had refused, expressing regret that Tehran has not positively responded to the proposals.

Despite Israel’s strong opposition to a new agreement, Scholtz renewed calls for a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear crisis, saying that “a functional international agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program is the right way.”