Radiation Warning Symbol. Public Domain.
While Iran’s nuclear sanctions have been lifted after they reportedly completed their initial requirements under the nuclear deal with the major world powers, they should still be closely monitored and held accountable for any efforts to build nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in comments released by his office that the world powers and the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency “must closely monitor activity at Iran’s nuclear installations and other sites in order to verify that it is not continuing to develop nuclear weapons in secret.”
The Israeli leader warned that “unless there is an appropriate response to each violation, Iran will understand that it can continue to develop nuclear weapons, undermine regional stability and spread terrorism.”
The comments come as oil and financial sanctions on Iran were lifted on Iran, which included the release of $100 billion in Iranian assets according to The New York Times. The report said the moves were done after the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran dismantled thousands of centrifuges that can be used in developing nuclear fuel and other expected steps as part of their obligations in the nuclear pact.
However, Israel has long warned the nuclear deal will actually open the door for Iran to develop nuclear weapons in the long run. And the release of billions in dollars to Iran will give them more ability to sponsor terrorism.
“What is clear is that Iran will now have more resources to divert to terrorism and its aggression in the region and around the world, and Israel is prepared to deal with any threat,” said Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader argued that not only should the world powers be sure to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons in the future, it’s due to Israel that Iran doesn’t have them now.
Said Netanyahu, “Were it not for our efforts to lead sanctions and thwart Iran’s nuclear program, Iran would have had nuclear weapons some time ago. Israel’s policy is exactly as it has been—not to allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.”
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, January 17, 2016)