Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed skepticism about the chances of a diplomatic solution to the military conflict between his country and Iran.
In an interview with the German newspaper Bild, Sa’ar stated, “I don’t believe very much in diplomacy with Iran. All the diplomatic efforts so far have not been successful.” The minister also emphasized that Iran must be willing to give up its uranium enrichment program. He described diplomacy as “no magic word to wash away the positions of states” and expressed his lack of confidence in Iran’s willingness to change its stance.
Sa’ar pointed out that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is currently not able to conduct effective inspections in Iran and that the country has not presented a concrete offer to alter its nuclear program. He also mentioned that he had a conversation with his French counterpart before the Geneva talks between Iran, Germany, France and the UK and may speak with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul later in the day. However, Sa’ar believes that Iran is not prepared to genuinely address the concerns and expectations of the international community and abandon its nuclear program, which he claims endangers the world and the very existence of Israel.