Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers to maintain pressure on Iran Sunday en route to Washington to participate in a briefing on Iran's nuclear program , according to AFP.
Recent efforts to pursue diplomatic routes with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Tehran's government, particularly on its nuclear program development, has increased Israel's concerns that Western governments will ease sanctions before Iran implements any substantial policy changes.
"As long as we don't see actions but only words, the international pressure must continue and increase...[with greater pressure], the higher the chance its military nuclear program will be dismantled," Netanyahu said. Netanyahu further remarked that pursuing diplomacy with Tehran could legitimize the "rogue regime."
Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz and teams from Israeli's defense, foreign affairs and intelligence branches were scheduled to accompany Netanyahu to the briefing, according to the Prime Minister's office.
Israel has consistently threatened publicly to take unilateral action if necessary to prevent Iran from developing bombs.
