Nuclearization of Iran
JERUSALEM SUMMIT was actively involved in shaping the agenda for the special session of Knesset's Forum on the Middle East. The session was held on June 28th, on the subject of Nuclearization of Iran.
Present at the meeting were top experts on the issue from Israel and abroad including Brigadier General Yossi Cooperwasser, Head of Military Intelligence Research for the Israel Defense Forces, Dr. Ephraim Asculai, formerly with the Israel Atomic Energy Commission and today a senior research associate at the Jaffe Center for Strategic Studies, Menashe Amir, Director of the Persian Language Division of the Voice of Israel Radio and Dr. Jermoe Corsi from the United States, an expert on Iranian opposition and author of “Atomic Iran”.
Representatives from over twenty five countries attended the event, along with Members of Knesset Dr. Yuri Shtern, chairman of the Forum and Dr. Ephraim Sneh, former chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Knesset. In his opening statement MK Shtern discussed the importance and urgency in dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue, which threatens the peace and security of the entire world.
Dr. Asculai provided details regarding the approximate timetable until Iran obtains nuclear weapons. In his testimony Dr. Asculai revealed that the revelations made by the IAEA and the National Council of Resistance of Iran since 2002, have succeeded in slowing down Iran’s progress. According to his estimation, if the Iranians are allowed to continue working on enrichment and conversion of uranium, Iran will have a nuclear devise within two to four years.
Brigadier General Yossi Cooperwasser reviewed Iran’s various motives for achieving nuclear capabilities. Cooperwasser stated that Iran wishes on the one hand to protect its Islamist regime, while on the other hand to facilitate the “export” of the Islamic revolution abroad. In addition, attention must also be given to Iran’s position vis-à-vis Israel and its desire to destroy the Jewish State, as an impetus for achieving nuclear weapons.
However, Brigadier General Cooperwasser indicated that Iran possesses or will soon be in possession of delivery systems capable of reaching Europe as well, making the issue an international concern. Cooperwasser believes that the international community is responsible for proving a solution to the issue that will include a complete cessation of uranium enrichment and conversion.
On the other hand, Dr. Jerome Corsi and Menashe Amir, expressed their hope that Iranian opposition groups uninterested in pursuing a nuclear program will succeed in toppling the current dictatorial regime and thus bring an end to Iran’s nuclear program. Dr. Corsi, who heads the Iran Freedom Foundation, has been working closely in the United States together with members of the Iranian opposition and various officials in the American administration towards peaceful political change in Iran.
Menashe Amir added that Iran intends to use the nuclear weapons it seeks to attain as an insurance policy to protect the tyrannical regime in order to oppress opposition from within, protect from the enemies abroad, and ensure the continuation of the Islamic revolution. In response to the testimonies provided, MK Dr. Ephraim Sneh stated that an end to the Iranian nuclear program is only possible if the international community acts resiliently to stop the nuclear program. If Iran were to continue its nuclear activities, the international community will have to employ sanctions; however in order to be effective the sanctions must be a wall without a crack that includes each and every state.
MK Sneh also argued that Iran must not be allowed to cheat by taking advantage of the international communities desire to reach a peaceful resolution through negotiations. Sneh claimed that Iran may take advantage of the situation in order to receive generous concessions without committing itself to end its nuclear program in its entirety. In response to the possibility of a revolution in Iran, MK Sneh stated that the Iranian street will not revolt against the current regime without the aid and support of the international community.