Israel has denied reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to disrupt talks between the United States and Iran by striking key nuclear facilities in Tehran, Reuters reported, quoted by News.bg.
In response to the New York Times article, Netanyahu's office issued a brief statement with the sole message: "Fake news."
The American publication, citing informed officials, claims that Israeli authorities are concerned about the speed with which President Donald Trump wants to reach a deal with Iran, even if it means Tehran keeps its nuclear facilities - red line for Israel.
Of particular concern to Tel Aviv is the possibility of an interim agreement that would allow Iran to maintain its nuclear facilities for months or years until a final agreement is reached.
The article states that US intelligence estimates that Israel could launch an air strike on Iran in about seven hours, and Israeli officials have warned their counterparts in the US that Netanyahu could launch an attack even after a diplomatic agreement is reached.
The newspaper notes that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad chief David Barnea have held meetings with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in Rome and Washington.
One of the main obstacles in the negotiations is the US demand that Iran give up nuclear enrichment - a position that Tehran categorically rejects.
Yesterday, US Secretary of the Interior Christie Noem said she had a "very frank conversation" with Netanyahu and stressed the importance of maintaining unity and continuing the diplomatic process.
President Trump recently bypassed Israel on his Middle East visit, raising doubts about relations between the two countries, but both Netanyahu and Trump have dismissed any speculation of disagreements.