Netanyahu announces new regional axis amid technical progress in US-Iran negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tel Aviv's intention to build a new strategic alliance aimed at redrawing the political map in the region. Netanyahu clarified that this axis would transcend traditional alignments to include international powers such as India, in addition to Arab and African countries and Mediterranean states like Cyprus and Greece.

These Israeli moves come at a sensitive time, with increasing reports about the postponement of a military strike that Tel Aviv had planned to direct against Iranian targets. Intelligence assessments had indicated that the attack was scheduled to be carried out over the weekend, but political pressures and developments led to its deferral.

Political circles in Israel are watching with increasing concern what is leaking from behind the scenes of the American administration regarding the possibility of making concessions to Tehran. Tel Aviv fears that Washington might allow Iran to retain 'symbolic' nuclear capabilities, including centrifuges, which Israel views as a direct threat to its national security.

In a related context, Israeli concerns emerged about the influence of President Donald Trump's inner circle, particularly Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Reports indicate that these figures are adopting an approach that pushes for a comprehensive deal with Tehran to avoid sliding into an open military confrontation in the Middle East.

For his part, US Senator Lindsey Graham called on the US administration not to be drawn into calls for de-escalation that might give Iran an opportunity to strengthen its influence. Graham emphasized in statements to Israeli media the necessity of maintaining a policy of maximum pressure to ensure the complete dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program.

On the Iranian side, official sources revealed clear gaps in the ongoing negotiations with the American side regarding the sanctions file. The sources clarified that the dispute primarily focuses on the scope of lifting and the proposed timeline for releasing frozen Iranian assets in exchange for nuclear restrictions.

A new round of talks is scheduled to begin early next March, coinciding with the expiration of a deadline previously set by the White House. During this round, both parties seek to formulate a 'roadmap' that ensures the achievement of common interests and ends the current political stalemate.

Tehran has put forward several technical options to address the concerns of the international community, including the possibility of diluting its stockpile of highly enriched uranium instead of shipping it abroad. Iranian proposals also included the idea of establishing a regional uranium enrichment consortium under international supervision to ensure the peaceful nature of the program.

Iran stipulates, for progress in this path, full international recognition of its right to possess nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. Iranian officials affirmed that reaching an 'interim agreement' might be possible if Washington shows sufficient flexibility in the file of economic cooperation and lifting trade restrictions.

As part of economic incentives, Tehran offered an investment package that allows major American companies to enter as contractors in oil and gas fields. Tehran stressed at the same time that it would not relinquish its full sovereignty over its natural and mineral resources, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, for his part, indicated that work is underway to prepare a draft alternative proposal that will be submitted in the coming days. This diplomatic move comes amid President Trump's hinting at limited military options aimed at deterring Iranian nuclear ambitions.

Despite the political tension, reports spoke of 'tangible progress' in the technical discussions that recently took place in the Sultanate of Oman. These developments focused on determining the permissible enrichment levels and the volume of the stockpile that Iran can retain within its fortified facilities.

Tehran relies heavily on the role played by the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, to bridge viewpoints. Grossi seeks to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough that ensures the full and regular return of the agency's inspectors to Iranian facilities to dispel international doubts.

In conclusion, the region remains in a state of cautious anticipation with the continued American military buildup in the Middle East. While negotiations continue behind closed doors, the specter of confrontation remains in light of the significant divergence between Tehran's demands and the red lines set by Tel Aviv and Washington.

We are working to form a new axis that includes India, Arab, African, and Mediterranean countries to confront current challenges.