Mossad Chief and Dermer Meet Witkoff in Paris to Discuss US-Iran Talks

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad Director David Barnea met with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Friday in Paris, Axios reported, citing three Israeli sources familiar with the matter.

The unpublicized meeting was held in advance of the second round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations; Witkoff is scheduled to participate in these discussions in Rome on Saturday. According to the report, Israeli officials aimed to shape the US stance ahead of the talks due to concerns that Washington might pursue an agreement similar to the 2015 deal brokered under President Obama; that deal was later scrapped in 2018 by President Donald Trump.

This meeting follows a Wednesday report in the New York Times, partially confirmed by Trump on Thursday, alleging that Israel had planned a joint strike with the US on Iran’s nuclear facilities for next month; Trump reportedly blocked the operation, preferring diplomatic efforts.

No official statements were issued by either Israel or Witkoff’s office regarding the Friday meeting.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared on Friday his unwavering commitment to stopping Iran from developing nuclear arms: “When I was appointed defense minister, I pledged to lead two central goals: Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and winning the war.”

Katz elaborated: “Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and I are committed, together with all parties, to leading a clear line that will prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. We will not allow threats of annihilation against the State of Israel.”

“This is our responsibility and historic task, and we will do whatever it takes to realize them,” the defense minister added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in Friday, emphasizing that the administration seeks a peaceful resolution with Iran but will not allow it to acquire a nuclear weapon.

In contrast, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed on Friday his belief that a nuclear agreement with the US is achievable—provided Washington avoids what he called “unrealistic demands.” He also noted his interest in Russia’s involvement in the negotiations.

“If they demonstrate seriousness of intent and do not make unrealistic demands, reaching agreements is possible,” the Iranian diplomat told a news conference in Moscow after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Araghchi said Iran observed the United States’ seriousness during the initial round of talks in Oman last week.

Lavrov stated that Russia was “ready to assist, mediate and play any role that will be beneficial to Iran and the USA.”

Moscow has historically taken part in Iran’s nuclear discussions; it holds veto power on the UN Security Council and was a party to the 2015 deal that Trump exited during his first term.

Following his first in-person meeting with Araghchi last Saturday, Witkoff presented conflicting public positions on the negotiations.

On Monday, Witkoff suggested the White House would accept a deal that limits, but does not dismantle, Iran’s nuclear ambitions; this would include capping uranium enrichment and verifying the absence of weaponization efforts.

However, by Tuesday, his tone had shifted; he then asserted that any agreement must compel Iran to “stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.”

During last Saturday’s talks, Araghchi reportedly introduced a three-phase proposal; this plan would restrict uranium enrichment to levels outlined in the 2015 agreement, in exchange for relief from US sanctions.

According to Iran International, a news outlet opposed to the Iranian regime, Iran’s initial phase would cap enrichment at 3.67%, the threshold established in the 2015 deal. In return, the US would grant Iran access to frozen assets and allow it to resume oil exports. Uranium becomes weapons-grade at 90% enrichment.

The second phase would involve lifting additional US sanctions and halting the reimposition of UN measures; in this phase, Iran would permit the International Atomic Energy Agency to resume full inspections and implement the “additional protocol,” which allows for surprise checks on undeclared nuclear sites.

In the final stage, the plan proposes that Iran transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country; the US Congress would ratify the deal, and the Trump administration would remove both primary and secondary sanctions.

Reports say Witkoff’s reaction to this offer surprised the Iranian delegation; he was described as being open to the proposal.

Despite Tehran’s claims that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, Iranian leaders openly call for Israel’s destruction; international inspectors report that since December, Iran has increased its stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium by about 50% and is projected to quadruple uranium ore production this year.

This enrichment level surpasses the needs of civilian nuclear programs and nears weapons-grade status. While visiting Tehran on Thursday, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that the US and Iran “don’t have much time” to reach a deal.

Trump has threatened Iran with dire consequences if it does not come to an arrangement within a short amount of time.