West turning a blind eye to Israel's nuclear arms
Amin Saikal makes a compelling case of hypocrisy by Israel (' Hypocrisy of Israel's nuclear arsenal ', June 20). Israel's actions, of course, are its own; but can someone please explain to me why its possession of a nuclear arsenal is accepted without demur by other Western powers, yet any suggestion that Iran do likewise is met with doomsday outrage? And if just the possibility of Iran having a nuclear capability can provoke the pre-emptive attack and the sabre-rattling that's going on at the moment by Israel and the US, why didn't the same shrill response come from them and the rest of the big boys' club when North Korea, India and Pakistan similarly armed themselves? There's far more hypocrisy going around than just Israel's. Adrian Connelly, Springwood
Surely there is a PhD in explaining why lies and liars prosper so well in Western politics. And yes, liars are elsewhere, but we always claim to be better. We went to war in Iraq with no evidence of weapons of mass destruction and there were none. Now we are told that Iran was about to produce atomic weapons and yet the UN advisers say it's not true. Israel has 91 nuclear weapons, according to most experts, which it is not supposed to have. The nose of the man in the White House continues to grow by the minute. Philip Dowle, Wickham
Iran hasn't invaded a country in 250 years, but we're told it's so aggressive and irrational that it 'can't have a nuclear weapon' and offensive military action is necessary to stop this. Norman Broomhall, Port Macquarie
I am so afraid, I don't want to even watch the current news bulletins. What a terrifyingly parlous state the world is in, with its leaders pathetically sitting on their hands, waiting for a megalomaniac to make his mind up on whether to bomb the Iranian nuclear facility in Fordow. Worse, this huge decision he promises will be last minute, with no clear indication it will achieve the desired successful outcome. It's more likely to be the harbinger for a third world war. Yet he says he is more loved than ever by his adoring followers. Elizabeth Kroon, Randwick
Israel is one of the few Middle Eastern countries where gay, lesbian, trans, and other queer people are safe, from imprisonment, torture, and/or beheading. Howard Hutchins, Wantirna (Vic)
Gaza deaths continue
While the world has been focused on Iran, Israel continues its killing of Palestinians in Gaza. Over 400 have been killed since aid deliveries returned at the end of May (' Gaza carnage goes on as missiles fly ', June 20). Many deaths have occurred while people have been queuing for aid. Deaths will continue to mount if more aid is not forthcoming. Desperate, starving people will risk death through the interception of aid trucks. More aid is required through reputable aid organisations, not the US and Israel-backed GHF. How can we continue to deny that genocide is taking place in Gaza, when it is clear that Israel is focused on destroying Palestinians either via bombs and gunfire or through starvation? Wake up, world. Robyn Thomas, Wahroonga
While Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel refused to discuss proof of Iran's nuclear weapon capability on ABC TV on Thursday night, far more shocking was her denial that any starvation problem exists in Gaza. The Israeli government clearly lives on another planet. Alynn Pratt, Grenfell
In an interview on the ABC, the Israeli deputy foreign minister said, while rolling her eyes, there was no starvation or famine in Gaza. How can this government be trusted when it comes to the truth? Talk about alternative facts. Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown
Meeting expectations
There should be no debate on the usefulness of Anthony Albanese's attendance at the NATO meeting (' Subs and snubs: PM's NATO dilemma ', June 20). In this increasingly insecure time, personal interaction of the saner world leaders is essential. If Albanese scores a one-on-one meeting with Donald Trump, his attendance could be a big success. There is no guarantee Trump will agree definitively to either tariff changes or the continuation of AUKUS. However, nothing will be gained without a determined effort by Albanese. Geoff Harding, Chatswood
Isolationist Trump
Trump failed the leadership test again with his 'drama queen' exit from the G7 summit (Letters, June 20). He gave up the opportunity of engaging with other world leaders on how best to deal with the ongoing conflicts. Albanese was criticised by lazy commentators for not being able to meet Trump, when they should have complimented him on the dignified way he responded to Trump's rudeness. If others choose to chase after Trump like adoring fans and be humiliated by him, so be it. It's been suggested that the real reason for Trump's early departure was the cold reception he received from the other leaders and the risk of further humiliating himself. He had already made a fool of himself by praising Vladimir Putin and criticising allies. Also, he is probably still smarting from the massive 'No Kings' protest and the boycotting of the US army parade. When Trump is upset, he runs back to the arms of his sycophants for comfort and reassurance. His desperate attempts to project strength only serve to highlight his weakness and insecurity. Graham Lum, North Rocks
How pathetic is Trump? Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Now the great man makes a decision but delays pulling the trigger. Clever; take credit for making a decision but avoid action in the hope the crisis passes to another issue. I am not sure whether Putin is playing Trump as a trout or Trump is playing world leaders as a school of trouts. D'Arcy Hardy, North Turramurra
Those of us who are fairly fed up with Trump's antics will be even more so by the end of two weeks of indecisiveness about bombing Iran. He reminds me of Alice's dilemma on whether she should join in the Lobster Quadrille in Alice's Adventure in Wonderland. Except the dilemma is not about whether to join in a crazy dance to throw a lobster or a turtle into the sea, but whether to instigate a possible nuclear war. So while Trump tries to sort out differing views within the Republican Party and advisers, with an eye on the next election, the US and the world will be held on tenterhooks once again. His lack of decisive leadership on this, as well as tariffs and a multitude of other issues, keeps him in the spotlight, but drags the world down again. Bill Johnstone, Blackheath
I am very disappointed that the two big, beautiful, tapered flag poles just erected at the White House by Donald Trump are white and not gold. John Oakley, Wollongong
Follow the leader
The appalling and tragic human history of wars, atrocities, death and destruction aside, could there be a worse time than just now to have such an unstable person as Donald Trump in such a powerful and critical role? Perhaps the most disastrous flaw in humanity is that it repeats the mistake of following, appeasing and empowering unstable leaders. While increasingly devastating conflicts rage, we have the surreal situation of the world numbly poised while Trump, not by any measure a global diplomat, or a mental library of history, 'mulls going to war' (' While Trump buys himself time, other countries might make the decision for him ', smh.com.au, June 20). 'We're the only species who follow unstable leaders. Animals don't follow that' (Cesar Millan). Robyn Dalziell, Kellyville
Power imbalance between Gaza and Israel visible in photo finish
The photographs on pages 3 (' Forgotten catastrophe still claiming victims ', June 20) and 12 (' Beachgoers in Tel Aviv leave during a missile strike from Iran ', June 20) say a great deal about the imbalance of power between Gaza and Israel. On one hand, thousands of Gazans wait in fear among a rubble moonscape for meagre supplies to fend off death by starvation, while on the other, apparently well-fed Israelis leave the beach as if fleeing an afternoon storm. Let us not be distracted by the ravings of Trump or the attacks by Israel on perceived enemies when the most critical issue at play in the region is the annihilation of an entire people who actually have a historical right to live in peace in their homeland. Peter Cooper-Southam, Frenchs Forest
The two photos accompanying 'Forgotten catastrophe still claiming victims' and 'Australians fleeing Middle East' could not be more stark. While starving Palestinians risk death trying to getfood, Israelis flee the beach, their pleasure being disturbed by annoying Iranian missiles – how unfortunate. Meanwhile, in 'Gaza carnage goes on as missiles fly', the Israeli military regrets 'any harm to uninvolved individuals'. I would suggest that killing people is more than just harm. Neil Bradford, Potts Point
Two strikingly different but similar images coming out of the Middle East – one, Palestinians fleeing Israeli gunfire when seeking food at aid distribution centres. The other, Israelis fleeing the beach amid a flurry of bikinis and beach towels during a missile alert from Iran. Susan Young, Kirribilli
What could more eloquently denounce the actions of the perpetrators of the human catastrophe in Gaza than the Herald photograph 'Forgotten catastrophe still claiming victims'? Catherine Turner, Cremorne
Watt are we waiting for?
Your report of Environment Minister Murray Watt's first round-table meeting on the reform of Australia's failed environment laws (' Watt vetoes trigger on climate in law reforms ', June 20) made bittersweet reading. It's encouraging to see him tackling the task promptly and purposefully but disappointing to find that he's not expecting to table the legislation for 18 months. It seems that all the hard work Tanya Plibersek did to advance the reform has been abandoned, and the whole process has begun again: one more instance of the wasted time that has plagued environmental protection in Australia. There's also mixed messaging on the climate implications of industrial projects. It seems obvious that projects with the potential to create damaging emissions and lock in more global heating should be assessed for their climate impact, yet a climate trigger is being excluded. One can only hope the sanguine views of Amanda McKenzie and Sarah Hanson-Young on alternative measures prove justified.
Tom Knowles, Parkville (Vic)
So it looks like our new environment minister has come with some strong preconceived ideas on how not to help the environment. Let's hope he has some positive ideas as well. Peggy Fisher, Manly
Justice rains
Working in courts in the 1980s and early 1990s, when the Downing Centre reopened after its years-long conversion/renovation, staff affectionately referred to it as the 'Drowning Centre' (' Trials aborted amid damage to court complex ', June 20). With news of the flooding and disruption, it looks as though life is imitating art and it is living up to its nickname. John McAteer, Seaforth
Risky business
Even before Asian economies were becoming bigger and dynamic, ANZ was established in 1984 in India (' ANZ retail boss exits in executive shake-up ', June 20). There is a huge opportunity for ANZ and other Aussie banks to expand in India and other Asian countries as Citibank left the retail market a few years ago, leaving a void to fill for other banks. With the new chief executive for ANZ Nuno Matos having experience running banks around the world, will this bring in some innovation and lead to a few risks being taken and diversification from the Australian matured and secured market? Unless banks other than CBA learn to take risks and move into other international markets, they will always be envious of the CBA. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill
In praise of the good
Vafa Ghazavi's tribute to his friend Melissa Hortman is an example of the best kind of obituary (' My friend was assassinated. In a dim world, she was a beacon ', June 19). It is only through learning about this American senator's achievements that we can truly appreciate her loss. Hortman's curiosity, good humour and desire to work collaboratively with her political opponents is a welcome contrast to Trump's hubris and his vilification of anyone who dares to question his decisions. As media headlines focus on Trump's international shockwaves, we need reminders that among the millions of Americans there are many altruistic people, like Melissa Hortman, who make scientific advances, find better treatments for illnesses or strive to make America and the world a safer and more equitable place. Brenda Proudfoot, Valentine
Skinks in the clink
I was heartened to read a good news story in the midst of the horrors all around us (' Abandoned reptiles slither into a new home – in jail', June 20). By having prison inmates work with Corrective Services NSW animal specialists to rehabilitate reptiles such as geckos, skinks and blue-tongued lizards, this program instils a different ethic in inmates caught up in cycles of violence, drugs, etc, and helps install positive thinking by doing positive things. Sounds like behaviour therapy at its best. It certainly beats stuffing envelopes. Larry Woldenberg, Forest Lodge
Postscript
It's been a busy week on the Letters page, mostly involving the American president – a Trump dump, if you like – of letters covering many shades of orange outrage.
The week started with Donald Trump and the big, beautiful parade for the US Army's 250th birthday that just happened to be held on his 79th birthday, which brought mainly big, bountiful derision.
Letter writers mocked a man who got out of the draft by claiming heel spurs, called servicemen who fell in World War II 'losers and suckers', and who now sends the National Guard against his own people.
They were also unimpressed with the ragtag, shambling appearance of the marchers, who seemed to be going for an afternoon saunter.
Then there was Trump, AUKUS and whether is it worthwhile for Australia to keep with the program. Essentially: no, the writers don't care about it, don't want it, and would like the money paid out already to be paid back. The Trump club is one they don't care to belong to.
This was followed by writers being outright stunned by the Trump idea that Vladimir Putin could possibly be a peacemaker.
There was also Trump not meeting Albanese at the G7 summit. Many writers thought Albanese had had a lucky escape, some were offended by the perceived disrespect, and many had mockery for commentators saying that Albanese should somehow have tried harder, although without suggestions of how this could have been done.
Finally there was Trump's flippy-flopping, wibbly-wobbling ideas about Israel and Iran. His big, beautiful suggestion that the 10 million residents of Tehran should leave their city was met with more derision.
There were other subjects during the week. The Gaza-Israel troubles continue, and it seems they will from this day until the ending of the world, which may be sooner than we think if people start throwing nuclear weapons at each other.
There was also robust discussion about the advisability of sanctions against Israel, and many letters of horror about the photograph of a family of Palestinian children mourning their father, who was killed trying to get food for them.
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Europe to tell Iran that US open to direct talks
European foreign ministers will tell their Iranian counterpart that the US is open to direct talks even as it considers joining Israeli strikes intended to smash Tehran's nuclear capacity, diplomats say before a meeting in Geneva. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi would be told that Iran must send a "clear signal", two diplomats told Reuters, with pressure mounting on Tehran to agree tough curbs on its nuclear program to prevent the potential development of an atomic weapon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to several Western counterparts before the meeting in Switzerland, the diplomats said, indicating readiness to engage directly with Tehran. Washington did not confirm that though broadcaster CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supported diplomacy from allies that could bring Iran closer to a deal. Tehran, however, has repeatedly said it will not talk to the Trump administration until Israeli attacks end. The ministers from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plus the European Union's foreign policy chief, were meeting separately on Friday before planned face-to-face talks with Araqchi. "The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can," a European diplomat said. "We will tell them to come back to the table to discuss the nuclear issue before the worst-case scenario, while raising our concerns over its ballistic missiles, support to Russia and detention of our citizens." The talks were due for mid-afternoon in Geneva, where an initial accord between Iran and world powers to curb its nuclear program in return for sanctions lifting was struck in 2013 before a comprehensive deal in 2015. Separate talks between Iran and the US collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12. "There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops," Araqchi was quoted as saying on Iranian state TV on Friday. The E3 have in past talks with Iran suggested it keep some uranium enrichment but accept extremely strict international inspections of its nuclear activities. Trump has demanded zero enrichment and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to echo that call on Friday, saying any new deal needed to go towards zero enrichment for Iran. The main message Europeans will pass to Araqchi is that the US has signalled readiness for direct talks, but that Iran must give a serious signal, the two European diplomats said, without defining what the signal should be. Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say. While diplomats did not expect a breakthrough in Geneva, they said it was vital to engage with Iran because once the war stopped the nuclear issue would remain unresolved given that Tehran would still retain the scientific know-how. Trump has said he will decide within two weeks whether to join Israeli strikes. "A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution," British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said. European foreign ministers will tell their Iranian counterpart that the US is open to direct talks even as it considers joining Israeli strikes intended to smash Tehran's nuclear capacity, diplomats say before a meeting in Geneva. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi would be told that Iran must send a "clear signal", two diplomats told Reuters, with pressure mounting on Tehran to agree tough curbs on its nuclear program to prevent the potential development of an atomic weapon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to several Western counterparts before the meeting in Switzerland, the diplomats said, indicating readiness to engage directly with Tehran. Washington did not confirm that though broadcaster CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supported diplomacy from allies that could bring Iran closer to a deal. Tehran, however, has repeatedly said it will not talk to the Trump administration until Israeli attacks end. The ministers from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plus the European Union's foreign policy chief, were meeting separately on Friday before planned face-to-face talks with Araqchi. "The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can," a European diplomat said. "We will tell them to come back to the table to discuss the nuclear issue before the worst-case scenario, while raising our concerns over its ballistic missiles, support to Russia and detention of our citizens." The talks were due for mid-afternoon in Geneva, where an initial accord between Iran and world powers to curb its nuclear program in return for sanctions lifting was struck in 2013 before a comprehensive deal in 2015. Separate talks between Iran and the US collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12. "There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops," Araqchi was quoted as saying on Iranian state TV on Friday. The E3 have in past talks with Iran suggested it keep some uranium enrichment but accept extremely strict international inspections of its nuclear activities. Trump has demanded zero enrichment and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to echo that call on Friday, saying any new deal needed to go towards zero enrichment for Iran. The main message Europeans will pass to Araqchi is that the US has signalled readiness for direct talks, but that Iran must give a serious signal, the two European diplomats said, without defining what the signal should be. Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say. While diplomats did not expect a breakthrough in Geneva, they said it was vital to engage with Iran because once the war stopped the nuclear issue would remain unresolved given that Tehran would still retain the scientific know-how. Trump has said he will decide within two weeks whether to join Israeli strikes. "A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution," British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said. European foreign ministers will tell their Iranian counterpart that the US is open to direct talks even as it considers joining Israeli strikes intended to smash Tehran's nuclear capacity, diplomats say before a meeting in Geneva. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi would be told that Iran must send a "clear signal", two diplomats told Reuters, with pressure mounting on Tehran to agree tough curbs on its nuclear program to prevent the potential development of an atomic weapon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to several Western counterparts before the meeting in Switzerland, the diplomats said, indicating readiness to engage directly with Tehran. Washington did not confirm that though broadcaster CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supported diplomacy from allies that could bring Iran closer to a deal. Tehran, however, has repeatedly said it will not talk to the Trump administration until Israeli attacks end. The ministers from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plus the European Union's foreign policy chief, were meeting separately on Friday before planned face-to-face talks with Araqchi. "The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can," a European diplomat said. "We will tell them to come back to the table to discuss the nuclear issue before the worst-case scenario, while raising our concerns over its ballistic missiles, support to Russia and detention of our citizens." The talks were due for mid-afternoon in Geneva, where an initial accord between Iran and world powers to curb its nuclear program in return for sanctions lifting was struck in 2013 before a comprehensive deal in 2015. Separate talks between Iran and the US collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12. "There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops," Araqchi was quoted as saying on Iranian state TV on Friday. The E3 have in past talks with Iran suggested it keep some uranium enrichment but accept extremely strict international inspections of its nuclear activities. Trump has demanded zero enrichment and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to echo that call on Friday, saying any new deal needed to go towards zero enrichment for Iran. The main message Europeans will pass to Araqchi is that the US has signalled readiness for direct talks, but that Iran must give a serious signal, the two European diplomats said, without defining what the signal should be. Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say. While diplomats did not expect a breakthrough in Geneva, they said it was vital to engage with Iran because once the war stopped the nuclear issue would remain unresolved given that Tehran would still retain the scientific know-how. Trump has said he will decide within two weeks whether to join Israeli strikes. "A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution," British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said. European foreign ministers will tell their Iranian counterpart that the US is open to direct talks even as it considers joining Israeli strikes intended to smash Tehran's nuclear capacity, diplomats say before a meeting in Geneva. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi would be told that Iran must send a "clear signal", two diplomats told Reuters, with pressure mounting on Tehran to agree tough curbs on its nuclear program to prevent the potential development of an atomic weapon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to several Western counterparts before the meeting in Switzerland, the diplomats said, indicating readiness to engage directly with Tehran. Washington did not confirm that though broadcaster CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supported diplomacy from allies that could bring Iran closer to a deal. Tehran, however, has repeatedly said it will not talk to the Trump administration until Israeli attacks end. The ministers from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plus the European Union's foreign policy chief, were meeting separately on Friday before planned face-to-face talks with Araqchi. "The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can," a European diplomat said. "We will tell them to come back to the table to discuss the nuclear issue before the worst-case scenario, while raising our concerns over its ballistic missiles, support to Russia and detention of our citizens." The talks were due for mid-afternoon in Geneva, where an initial accord between Iran and world powers to curb its nuclear program in return for sanctions lifting was struck in 2013 before a comprehensive deal in 2015. Separate talks between Iran and the US collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12. "There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops," Araqchi was quoted as saying on Iranian state TV on Friday. The E3 have in past talks with Iran suggested it keep some uranium enrichment but accept extremely strict international inspections of its nuclear activities. Trump has demanded zero enrichment and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to echo that call on Friday, saying any new deal needed to go towards zero enrichment for Iran. The main message Europeans will pass to Araqchi is that the US has signalled readiness for direct talks, but that Iran must give a serious signal, the two European diplomats said, without defining what the signal should be. Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say. While diplomats did not expect a breakthrough in Geneva, they said it was vital to engage with Iran because once the war stopped the nuclear issue would remain unresolved given that Tehran would still retain the scientific know-how. Trump has said he will decide within two weeks whether to join Israeli strikes. "A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution," British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.
Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Global Islamic politics expert says Israel's claims about Iranian nuclear weapon 'at odds' with intelligence reports as Netanyahu 'desperate' to involve Trump in war
An Australian global Islamic politics expert has urged the world to be "sceptical" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims after numerous intelligence reports concluded that Iran is not "close at all" to building a nuclear weapon. Professor Greg Barton from Deakin University told Sky News Netanyahu's strategy to close down Iran's nuclear program may not be as "clear cut and simple", as he would present it to be to President Donald Trump, in an attempt to persuade the US to join the Israeli assault. "I think that the way that Benjamin Netanyahu will sell it to Trump is that you just send in a couple of B2s over Fordow and it's done," Mr Barton told Sky News host Steve Price. "You've closed down the nuclear program and we're good. "But of course, it is not likely to be so clear cut and so simple." According to Axios, President Trump believes the US has leverage over Iran due to its bunker buster munitions – which Israel does not have – that are capable of destroying the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility that sits deep under a mountain. Mr Barton added the bunker buster bombs are unlikely to demolish Iran's nuclear program and could instead result in dangerous escalation of war in the Middle East. 'First of all, those B2 strikes with massive ordnance, penetrator bombs over Fordow, 90 metres underground, that likely wouldn't finish Iran's nuclear program,' he said. 'They'd probably scramble to take what they have left and actually move towards nuclear weapons. 'In the meantime, they're likely to strike out against US targets all around the Middle East and use their proxies to do so. 'So a very dangerous risk of escalation and a prolonged conflict.' When questioned about the validity of Netanyahu's claims about Iran's existential threat to Israel, Mr Barton said they were 'at odds' with other publicly available intelligence reports have said, including what Trump was briefed on by his own security adviser. Mr Barton highlighted Israel's remarkable capabilities at penetrating Iranian society and its defence apparatus, but noted other intelligence reports suggest 'Iran is some way off, it's not close at all' to building a nuclear weapon. 'It is possible they know something that no one else knows, but what all the other intelligence reports are saying is that Iran is some way off, it's not close at all,' he said. 'We can't know, we're sort of making a claim from Netanyahu who is desperate to involve Trump and America in this programme, and on balance you sort of want to be a bit sceptical about what he's saying for that reason.' Israel has been trading missiles with Iran since last Friday in an attempt to shut down any efforts of Tehran building an atomic weapon to wipe out the existence of the Jewish state. Netanyahu said the operations were to "strike the head of Iran's nuclear weaponisation program". White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a media briefing on Thursday, local time, she had been asked to pass on a 'direct quote' from President Trump on the possibility of US intervention in the Israel-Iran war. 'Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' she said, quoting the President. Ms Leavitt also urged sceptics of US involvement to 'trust' in President Trump's judgement, before emphasising his 'top priority' was to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The Age
3 hours ago
- The Age
Few believe Iran has nuclear weapons. We can't afford to repeat the Iraq War lie
The Middle East is once again in danger of exploding, with massive global geopolitical and economic implications. The leader who bears most responsibility for this is undoubtedly Benjamin Netanyahu. For years, the Israeli prime minister has doggedly pursued the demise of the Iranian Islamic regime in line with his power interests and his vision of Israel's security requirements. His stated goal has long been to bring down the 'Islamic empire in Iran', 'expand the Abraham Accords with Arabs' and once and for all end the Palestinians' aspirations for an independent state. As part of this Middle East master plan, he has also zeroed in on Iran's nuclear program. But let's not forget: No concrete evidence exists that Iran has been manufacturing nuclear weapons. In a congressional hearing earlier this year, the United States' Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed this fact. And earlier this week, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said that 'on the basis of our evaluation, we came to the conclusion that we could not affirm that there is any systematic effort in Iran to manufacture a nuclear weapon'. Despite this, Netanyahu continues to insist that Iran is on course to produce nuclear weapons within weeks, and the US is teetering on entering the war in Israel's support. Meanwhile, he omits the fact that Israel itself has its own nuclear program. Though Israel has never formally confirmed or denied its nuclear arsenal, its national Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1952. By 1958, researchers believe the government had established a weapons development site in Dimona, and American intelligence from the 1960s stated that there was a reprocessing plant for plutonium production at the site. Loading As the Federation of American Scientists wrote in 2007, 'the existence of Israeli nuclear weapons is a 'public secret' by now due to the declassification of large numbers of formerly highly classified US government documents which show that the United States by 1975 was convinced that Israel had nuclear weapons'. According to the Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Israel today has at least 90 nuclear warheads and enough material to produce hundreds more. The United Nations' nuclear watchdog has also found that of the 30 countries capable of developing nuclear weapons, Israel is among nine that possess them (Russia, US, China, France, United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel and North Korea).
