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Netanyahu: Talks must lead to dismantling of Iran's nuclear program

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday that ongoing negotiations need to lead to a full dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

"I think the pressure has to be maintained on Iran, even increased on Iran, until it actually stops the nuclear program, that is, dismantles it," Netanyahu said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."

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His comments come after Iran and Western Powers held two days of talks in Geneva on nuclear weapons.

No agreement seemed imminent, NBC News reported.

The next round of talks is set for Nov. 7 and Nov. 8.

The Obama administration is reportedly considering easing sanctions on Iran and giving the country access to its frozen funds if officials agree to rein in the nuclear program.

But Netanyahu warned against any proposal that could lead to the end of sanctions.

"They're trying to give a partial deal that they know could end up dissolving the sanctions regime and would keep them with the nuclear weapons capabilities," he said.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who also appeared on "Meet the Press" Sunday, said the United States should not be considering easing sanctions yet.

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"I think the sanctions were working and that's why the discussions (in Geneva) have started. But we need to see what they're going to actually do. We need to see rolling back their nuclear program. And I can tell you that when the time comes, when those movements come, any changes will have to be proportionate," he said.

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