Israeli PM: Iran nuclear deal is a "bad mistake of historic proportions"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the deal over Iran's nuclear programme, describing it as "a mistake of historic proportions."

In a statement released shortly before the deal was formally announced on Tuesday morning, Netanyahu condemned the agreement, criticising the negotiators for trying to reach a deal at all costs.

"Later I will speak on the details of the agreement, but before that I want to say here and now: when you are ready to reach a deal at any price, this is the result," he said.

"From preliminary reports it can already be concluded that this agreement is a historic mistake for the world. In all the fields that were supposed to prevent Iran arming itself with nuclear weapons, far-reaching concessions have been made.

"In addition Iran will receive billions of dollars with which it could fuel its terror machine, expansionism and aggression in the Middle East and the entire world."

The Israeli PM highlighted how the desire to reach a deal was a striking contrast to the anti-American sentiment in Iran and added Israel knew it could not prevent the agreement from being signed.0

"It is not possible to prevent an agreement when the negotiators are willing to give more and more concessions to those who call 'death to USA'," he said.

"We knew very well that the desire to sign a deal is stronger than anything else and therefore did not commit to prevent the agreement.

"We did commit to prevent Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons and that commitment still stands. I tell all the leaders in Israel now is the time to put petty politics aside and unite in the most crucial issue for Israel's security and future."