(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Avner Golov - It appears that the West has not yet convinced Supreme Leader Khamenei that he must choose between the stability of the regime and Iran's nuclear capabilities. Tehran sees the interim agreement that it signed with the major powers as a strategic achievement. In contrast to Western perceptions, Iran's goal of easing the sanctions was a secondary objective. In fact, Iran's primary goal in the interim agreement was to attain international recognition for independent enrichment capability. And indeed, contravening UN Security Council resolutions, the interim agreement recognizes that in the framework of a final deal, Iran will have independent enrichment capability. Israel must try to ensure that the U.S. does not agree to preserve an infrastructure that could serve military needs in Iranian hands, even if it is frozen or under supervision.
2014-03-03 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive