Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday he is skeptical that Iran will agree to halt its nuclear program, accusing Tehran of playing a “chess game” with the international community.

Just days ahead of a crucial round of nuclear talks with Tehran, Netanyahu said “nothing would be better than to just see this issue solved diplomatically.”

“But I have to say I see no evidence whatsoever that Iran is serious about ending its nuclear program,” he said.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany are gearing up for a May 23 meeting with Iran in Baghdad.

Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, like energy production. The West and Israel suspect Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Israel says a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran would threaten the Jewish state’s survival.

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