Israel meets with Gulf States for talks on Iran

Israel’s Channel 2 TV has revealed that high-ranking Israeli figures have held a series of secret meetings over the past few weeks with representatives of Arab Gulf states to discuss the Iranian issue. The meetings included representatives of Gulf States with which Israel does not have diplomatic relations, claimed the channel.

The parties discussed their mutual fear of America and Iran developing close relations and the ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Channel 2 said that a senior Gulf figure has visited Israel in secret.

According to Reuters, diplomats have said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran have not made any progress during their bilateral talks last week. “It was not clear whether Tehran’s positive position will help to achieve the long-awaited breakthrough,” they said.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu devoted his speech at the UN General Assembly to Iran’s nuclear programme. He described Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”. Netanyahu demanded that the international community should not ease the economic sanctions imposed on Iran while talks about its nuclear programme are in progress. He pointed out that Israel will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon, “even if Israel is forced to act alone” against the Tehran government.

Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon added that the Iranian threat has “always” existed but some Western officials follow empty wishes. Despite Rouhani’s sugar-coated speeches,” he argued, “Iran supports terrorism in Afghanistan and in Iraq. It finances Hezbollah in Lebanon and the terrorism infrastructure in Gaza while it continues with its nuclear programme.” He insisted that every effort must be made to stop Iran’s nuclear developments.