Netanyahu warns of nuclear-armed ‘Islamic State of Iran’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is warning that a deal between world powers and Iran won’t stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon as negotiators race to finalize an agreement.

“The world is properly concerned and aghast at the violence and savagery of ISIS,” Netanyahu said at a press conference with Italy’s foreign minister, referring to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.  

{mosads}”No one would dream of allowing the Islamic State of ISIS to have nuclear weapons. Why would anyone consider giving the Islamic State of Iran … additional power of nuclear weapons.

“The Islamic State of Iran, the foremost sponsor of international terrorism, should not have access to nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu continued. “We need a better deal. This deal should not pass.”

A video posted to Netanyahu’s Instagram account similarly likened Iran to the terrorist group, which the U.S. and allies launched a campaign against last year.

Negotiators announced Tuesday they extended the Iran talks by a week, to July 7, past Tuesday’s deadline for a deal to provide sanctions relief for Tehran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. 

If the deal being negotiated between the U.S., France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China with Iran is presented to Congress by July 9, lawmakers will have 30 days to review it before going on recess. 

But if the deal is presented to Congress after July 9, that review process would be extended to 60 days. Supporters of the Iran deal fear that could give critics time to mobilize opposition.

Netanyahu has been a vocal critic of the talks, most memorably sharing his concerns during a controversial address to Congress in early March.

President Obama insisted Tuesday that he would “walk away from negotiations if, in fact, it’s a bad deal.”