U.S. Foreign Policy
“We are losing precious time dealing with new Iranian positions inconsistent with the JCPOA or that go beyond it,” say European representatives.
“The international community for years spoke very softly to Iran. Sanctions are very important, but the sanctions are not enough,” said Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan.
Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora says the seventh round of discussions would start again “after consultations in and among capitals.”
The Israeli defense minister will also hold discussions with the Biden administration on Iron Dome replenishment and certain defense acquisitions that have faced delays.
“I call on every country negotiating with Iran ... to make it clear that it is impossible to negotiate and enrich uranium at the same time,” says Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
The Institute for Science and International Security said that if Iran “mothballs its advanced centrifuges rather than destroys them, breakout timelines will only be five to six months.”
International Atomic Energy Agency: The Islamic Republic has started producing enriched uranium with advanced centrifuges.
“I think the Israelis and policymakers need to pivot to give Israel the tools it needs because however this plays out in Vienna, deal or no deal … I think the Israelis feel they have the clock ticking louder and louder, and they have to prepare,” said JINSA president and CEO Michael Makovsky.
While the P5+1 debates in Vienna, “Iran could be positioning itself so close to making nuclear weapons that if Tehran chose to break out, countries mighty be deterred from intervening,” said Andrea Stricker, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
The Iranians are “very close” to nuclear breakout, says OC Central Command Gen. Kenneth McKenzie • IAEA head says “no progress” was made on his trip to Tehran.
Israel has invested “strategic-level” resources but achieved only “tactical” results, says the Israeli premier.
“The hold on Lipstadt’s confirmation must be lifted quickly so she may assume the post and commence this important work,” wrote B’nai B’rith president Charles Kaufman and CEO Dan Mariaschin in a statement.
