The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, addressed a gathering of Jewish leaders on Wednesday, emphasizing that Iran must renounce its goal of destroying the Jewish state as part of any future agreement. This remark comes as Iran prepares for discussions with its international counterparts next week.
Leiter stated, “The foundation of any agreement with Iran should revolve around the Jewish state, eliminating any ambitions to eradicate the Jewish people,” during a session arranged for the United for Security Emergency Leadership Mission.
He expressed doubt concerning the value of a deal with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions, even as U.S. officials are set to engage with Iranian representatives this week.
President Trump’s stance regarding Iran appears complex; he’s focused on broader objectives beyond just halting nuclear armament. He asserts that recent U.S. strikes have incapacitated certain nuclear facilities, although preliminary intelligence suggests that Iran could reignite its program within months. Israeli assessments suggest that combined U.S. and Israeli military actions have delayed Iran’s nuclear advancements by several years.
The prospective agreement aims to compel Tehran to forgo its nuclear pursuits and the enrichment of uranium. It remains unclear whether discussions will also encompass Iran’s missile initiatives and its support for terrorist groups—issues that are critical for Israel.
Leiter’s remarks may introduce a fresh condition for Iran: abandoning its longstanding goal of Israel’s destruction, which has been a cornerstone of the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy. Iranian support through proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis has directly targeted Israel and Jewish communities.
Speaking to a collective of around 400 Jewish leaders from over 100 communities and various national organizations, the ambassador noted potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, asserting that Israel is eager to build on the Abraham Accords.
“There’s no reason why the Middle East can’t be calm, supportive, and peaceful,” he commented.
The United for Security Emergency Leadership Mission seeks to enhance safety for the Jewish community, especially following the recent assassination of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., by pro-Palestinian assailants. This initiative was organized by the Presidential Conference of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Organizations in North America.
Leiter concluded by stating, “We must unite in our voice. While there are many pressing national issues, the safety of the Jewish community must remain a top priority.”
