Israeli PM Naftali Bennett signaled his regime's readiness to up the confrontation with Iran, while stating that "Israel" would not be bound by any Iranian nuclear deal.

Bennett has described Iran, in a televised conference hosted by Reichman University, as being at "the most advanced stage of its nuclear program." He asserted "Israel's" autonomy to take action against Iran, hinting at possible rifts with the US concerning how to deal with Iran.

"We face complicated times. It is possible that there will be disputes with the best of our friends," he said.

"The Iranians have encircled the 'Israel' with missiles while they sit safely in Tehran," Bennett stressed. "To chase the terrorist du jour sent by the Quds Force does not pay off anymore. We must go for the dispatcher." 

IAEA Chief begins talks in Iran

Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the IAEA, is in Tehran to hold talks with Mohammad Eslamia, the chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) as well as meet with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein AmirAbdollahian.

His visit comes only a week before the Vienna talks are scheduled to resume.

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry commented on Grossi's visit before his arrival, expressing hope that it would be constructive.

"We have always advised the IAEA to stay on the path of technical cooperation, and to not let certain countries pursue their political orientations on behalf of the IAEA," he said.

Read more: Reframing Vienna: What About Iran's Side of the Story?

Iran began easing its commitments under the deal in 2019, a year after then-president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the accord and began imposing crippling sanctions, and after several ultimatums given to the E3 by Iran to establish the INSTEX trade mechanism for money transfers.

Tehran is demanding all sanctions imposed or reimposed on it by the US since 2017 be lifted, with guarantees being given to that effect.