Israel wants to annihilate Iranian nuclear facilities before talks
Israel wants to entirely dismantle both Iran's nuclear program and destroy its ability to resume it in the future, Israeli Ambassador to Moscow Simona Halperin has told RT.
West Jerusalem will only consider talks after this main goal is secured, she said.
'Israel is attacking the objects and individuals that lead the Iranian nuclear program, that lead the program to destroy Israel, as well as all those who would pose a military threat to Israel,' Halperin told the press at a briefing in the Israeli Embassy on Monday.
When asked by RT about Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to mediate talks between West Jerusalem and Tehran, the diplomat stressed that the Jewish state's current primary concern is the destruction of the Iranian nuclear program.
'Israel's number one priority' is to wipe out Iran's 'desire, ability and intention' to continue pursuing its nuclear program, Halperin told RT.
It's premature to consider negotiations right now, she added.
'I think it's way too early to think about 'who, when, and how',' the diplomat said. 'I think it is very important to address the critical issues, ability and intent,' she said, referring to the goals of the Israeli bombing campaign.
'After we resolve these issues, we will see how we can proceed,' Halperin said.
When asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called for Iranians to topple their government, was setting a coup as one of the goals of the military operation, the diplomat said 'no.'
'This is not one of Israel's objectives in the operation,' she told RT. 'Only the Iranian people will decide for themselves what they want and how they're ruled.'
Iran has condemned the Israeli attack as entirely unprovoked, and accused the Jewish state of 'scuttling' its Oman-brokered nuclear talks with the US.
Tehran has no interest in bloodshed, and did not begin the hostilities, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday. Despite this, Iran would fight 'to the last drop of blood' to defend its 'land, people, dignity and achievements,' he warned.
Tehran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
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