June 26/2015

Bad Deal Arising

At the end of this month a highly concerning nuclear deal is expected to be signed with Iran.

Israel's position on Iran's nuclear program stems from a simple motivation: to prevent the most dangerous regime on earth from gaining access to the most dangerous weapon on earth. Over the years Iran has earned, fair and square, its reputation as the most brutal and aggressive regime out there. Should anyone need a reminder to some of Iran's action, it is amply provided in the US State Department’s recently published overview on global terrorism in which, Iran's aggressive conduct and support of terrorism in over 30 countries globally is highlighted and described in disturbing detail.

The only way to prevent Iran from continuing on its  path of aggression is to remove either the will or the way, preferably both, that motivates and enables it's destructive behavior.  

What the agreement does is the exact opposite. This deal empowers Iran's will to continue its aggressive path destabilizing the region and the world through its support of the most vicious terrorist organizations. As well as practically paving the way for Iran to eventually legitimately join the club of nuclear states. 

The reported agreement demands nearly nothing substantial from Iran with respect to its current nuclear program and infrastructure; it demands absolutely nothing of Iran with respect to its missile program which is being designed and developed with the sole purpose of carrying a future nuclear payload; and it demands nothing of Iran with respect to its current hostile behavior all over the world, which includes, but is not limited to overt calls for the destruction of the State of Israel. 

The emerging deal with Iran is a very bad one. It should not be signed.

Rather, the negotiating powers must stop and reset negotiations under a different set of terms and conditions.  One that will lead towards a good deal, ensuring Iran will never be able to develop a nuclear weapon. 

That must be the goal and outcome of negotiations. It is still not too late to get there. We should settle for nothing less. 

Shabbat Shalom,

  

Yaron Sideman
Consul General Of Israel,
Mid-Atlantic Region