Iran raises the stakes – and it could escalate fast

Iran has accelerated its progress toward developing a nuclear weapon. In Israel and among Western intelligence agencies, there are growing concerns that the Iranians may have acquired the mechanism necessary for its activation. In the absence of any direct and explicit statements from Israeli officials, US President Donald Trump has become the primary source of information on developments regarding Iran. His near-daily remarks provide a fairly continuous barometer for assessing the chances of reaching a new nuclear agreement with Tehran versus the possibility that Iran's nuclear program will be halted by military force

In recent weeks, Trump has taken care to express cautious optimism about the prospects of reaching a deal. These comments seem to underlie reports of growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem, given Israel's apparent preference for a military strike. This preference stems from concerns that any agreement, based on the talks held so far, would be partial and insufficient. 

 

Such a deal would fail to address all of Israel's concerns: the nuclear project itself, alongside the production and spread of missiles and drones, and Iran's support for terrorism in the region.In recent days, signs have mounted that Iran also rejects the American proposals, a development that caused alarm in Israel. It appears Iranian leaders believe they still have significant diplomatic maneuvering room before the situation tips into military confrontation.  (Read More)