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Iran's Nuclear Designs Are the Greater Middle East Threat
(Washington Post) Michael Oren - For the Iranian regime, the situation in the Middle East is a convenient distraction, as the Iranian nuclear program advances unchecked. The Iranians have amassed some 182 kg. of uranium enriched to a level easily enhanced to weapons grade. This stockpile stops short of the red line drawn by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the Iranians are quietly preparing to cross it. The Iranians have installed 16,000 centrifuges - an immense number by any standard - most of which are spinning. Iran is introducing 3,000 advanced centrifuges that will at least triple its enrichment rate and more than double its total output. Virtually overlooked was the year-long diplomacy that produced nothing but a hardening of Iran's position. Although sanctions led by President Obama and Congress continue to cut into Iran's economy and undermine its currency, the nuclear program progresses. Iranian rulers believe that they will eventually achieve their nuclear aspirations. They are not yet convinced that the prize will be denied them by military action. If Iran gets the bomb, so too will a number of Middle Eastern states. An Iran with military nuclear capabilities will dominate the Persian Gulf and its vast oil deposits, driving oil prices to extortionary highs. And Iran can transfer nuclear weapons to terrorists who can launch them at foreign ports in shipping containers. The entire world will be endangered. Iran's nuclear designs may yet be thwarted by a combination of escalating sanctions and a credible military threat. Iranian rulers must not only hear about the policy of all options on the table, they must fear it. The writer is Israel's ambassador to the U.S.