“That would be a big, big, big blow to the United States in the world“.
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The danger posed by these extremists may be even greater than the one Netanyahu sees coming out of Iran because it threatens to rip the Jewish state apart from the inside. That was true then – and it remains true today. But he said it also demonstrates the importance of the Iran deal, which the Obama administration says will prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
US intelligence officials have told Congress that satellite imagery of the Parchin military base shows efforts to “sanitize” the facility in advance of an expected inspection by the IAEA sometime before October 15. Explicit requirements on Iran to reveal its previous military work before sanctions relief are inadequate, and I fear that the deal lacks specific accountability measures to discourage Iran from cheating, particularly in small ways that could have a substantial cumulative impact, during the course of the deal. If the deal collapses, Iran would have no limitations on its nuclear ambitions and global sanctions would fall apart.
“It has come to our attention that during the recent negotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran, at least two side deals were made between the worldwide Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran”, the letter said. Netanyahu’s role represents almost unprecedented interference in domestic U.S. affairs by a foreign leader.
Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon has hinted that his country would resume assassinations of Iran’s scientists if it pursues its nuclear weapons programme.
The intense lobbying surrounding the Iran agreement is unusual because of the involvement of so many foreign governments, including Israel, which is adamantly opposed to the deal.
One of the strongest arguments against an Israeli attack against Iran, aside from the guaranteed regional war that would follow, was that a preemptive strike could only ever set back Iran’s nuclear program a few years. We certainly have cause to be very prudent on this matter.
Kerry at the news conference described enhanced cooperation in missile defense, combating terrorism and cybersecurity. Hostages remain in Iranian custody. This regime will continue to deny Israel’s right to exist, the Quds Force will still be listed as a terrorist organization, and Iran will continue to exacerbate tensions with our allies in the region.
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In addition to having a nuclear weapon, a nation, or a terrorist group, must have an effective delivery capability.
