The United States has hinted at resorting to a military option against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, in a threat that clearly echoes unprecedented Israeli warnings in this regard. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated in a joint press conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in Washington on Wednesday evening that the U.S. considers "diplomatic solutions to be the best way" to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, he pointed out more firmly than before that his patience is wearing thin, given the ongoing suspension of negotiations aimed at rescuing the international agreement concluded in 2015 between Iran and major powers since June, saying, "Dialogue requires two parties, and at this stage we have not noticed any intention on Iran's part" to engage in dialogue. He also reminded that the available margin "is shrinking."
In response to Lapid's suggestion of using force against Tehran, Blinken succinctly stated, "We are ready to resort to other options if Iran does not change its course." For his part, Lapid remarked, "I believe the whole world understands what the other options are." He went on to say, "Secretary of State Antony Blinken and I are sons of Holocaust survivors. We recognize that there are times when nations must use force to protect the world from evil." He also added, "Israel reserves the right to act at any time and in any way."
Alternative Plan
It is worth noting that Lapid, during his visit to Washington, is seeking to urge President Joe Biden's administration to prepare an "alternative plan" in case diplomatic efforts with Tehran fail. This visit comes as Americans increasingly discuss the need to develop fallback plans regarding the Iranian nuclear issue. U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley, who led indirect negotiations with Iran earlier this year, confirmed earlier on Wednesday that the U.S. administration is realistic and understands that there is at least a significant possibility that Tehran will choose a different course, thus we must coordinate with Israel and allies in the region.
Controlling the Nuclear Program
Additionally, Malley mentioned that he would visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE in the coming days to discuss "efforts to revive the nuclear agreement" and "available options for controlling the nuclear program in case those efforts fail." It is noted that nuclear talks that began in Vienna in April have been suspended since June 2021, amidst repeated European attempts to urge Iranian authorities to return to the negotiation table. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials have announced multiple times in recent days that they will soon resume those talks, but they have not specified a clear date for that return.
