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The Iran Nuclear Deal Allows a Terrorist State to Develop a Nuclear Arsenal
(Daily Telegraph-Australia) Dr. Colin Rubenstein - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to review support for the Iran nuclear deal should be welcomed. U.S. President Trump has made action to thwart Iran's nuclear and hegemonic ambitions a top U.S. foreign policy priority. A change in Australia's view on the Iran deal would be welcomed by Sunni Arab states - from Egypt, to Saudi Arabia to the Gulf States to Morocco - all whom view Iran as their most serious regional threat. Australian trade with these countries dwarfs that with Iran. The flaws in the deal include sunset provisions that expire in 10 to 15 years, as well as enabling Iran to continue working on advanced centrifuges, and testing ballistic missiles which could carry nuclear weapons. As a country committed to nuclear non-proliferation, we should question the deal if it does not prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. In evaluating which position on Iran best serves Australia's national interest, reinforcing the commendable efforts of the U.S. to stop Iran's drive towards nuclear weapons and its rogue behavior would surely rate as a major consideration. The writer is Executive Director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC).