Netanyahu Claims the War with Iran Is ‘Not Finished,’ Says Trump Aims to ‘Physically’ Eliminate Uranium

Netanyahu Discusses Iran’s Nuclear Threat on “60 Minutes”

In a recent interview on “60 Minutes,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to eliminate Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. This comes in the wake of military actions taken by the United States and Israel on February 28 after negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program collapsed.

Netanyahu told CBS News correspondent Major Garrett that while his campaign has made “significant gains,” there is still “work to be done.” He stated that “nuclear material, enriched uranium, has to be taken out of Iran,” and emphasized the necessity of dismantling enrichment facilities. He also pointed out that Iranian-backed alternative weapons and ballistic missiles remain a threat, saying, “Now we have degraded a lot of them, but they all still exist, and there is work left to do.”

When asked how Iran’s highly enriched uranium could be removed, Netanyahu’s response was direct: “Go in and take out.”

Iranian state media reported that a rescued crew from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle was involved in a mission related to Iranian nuclear material in Isfahan. While Iranian outlets claimed multiple U.S. aircraft were lost, U.S. Central Command clarified that only one A-10 Thunderbolt was downed, and its pilot was safely recovered.

Garrett pressed Netanyahu further, asking why special forces from Israel and the U.S. were necessary. Netanyahu deflected, stating, “I’m not going to talk about military means, but President Trump said to me: ‘I want to go there and I think it’s physically possible.'” He added, “If there’s an agreement and you go in and take it out, why not? That’s the best way.”

The conversation shifted to the scenario of not having a deal. When Garrett posed a question about whether force could be an option, Netanyahu responded cautiously, “I’m not going to talk about military possibilities or plans,” suggesting a reluctance to disclose any strategies.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright, in an interview on “Meet the Press,” claimed that Iran has the materials for ten nuclear devices, along with over 1,000 pounds of 60% enriched uranium. Wright argued that stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions could ultimately lower energy costs. Similar assertions were made by Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, though no evidence has been provided to back their claims.

Officials from the Trump administration have asserted that Iran’s nuclear program was significantly diminished after strikes on various Iranian facilities in June 2025, maintaining without clear proof that Iran continues to pose a threat to the U.S. Previously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the attack was prompted by concerns that Iran could target American forces in response to Israel’s planned strike.

Reports emerged on April 7 indicating that President Trump was persuaded to launch the attack during Netanyahu’s visit to the White House on February 11, even as some officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, expressed skepticism.

Joe Kent, a former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on March 17, claiming the conflict was instigated “under pressure from Israel and its powerful U.S. lobby.” He further pointed out that Iran does not pose an “imminent threat” to the United States.