Officials in Jerusalem divided as nuclear talks continue
Photo: AP
Israeli official: Bomb threat still alive
Senior officials in Jerusalem divided over draft agreement on Iran's nuclear program, but agree that threat remains; objectors to deal say Tehran continues to secretly enrich uranium for military aims
The Iranian nuclear threat is "still alive and kicking," a senior official in Jerusalem told Ynet in the wake of reports about a draft agreement between Tehran and global powers in respect to Iran's nuclear program.
However, other officials in Israel are concerned that the agreement will be tantamount to giving Iran the go-ahead for continuing its uranium enrichment efforts.
However, it appears Israeli officials are divided on the implications of the draft deal, with some claiming that it marks an initial achievement in the battle against Iran. Supporters of the deal claim that Iran's nuclear efforts will be set back by a year or more should the agreement be approved.
Nuke Threat
Iranian officials involved in nuclear talks temper optimism over draft agreement; Tehran reserves right to shun final agreement, Western media exerting pressure on Iran, one official says
"The great fear is that this kind of agreement will make it appear that Iran is indeed showing a reconciliatory attitude, while it continues the basic enrichment of uranium in Natanz and in the secret site exposed in Qom through the West's intelligence work," one official said.
"The expected deal takes care of Iran's openly available uranium which it enriches for seemingly civilian aims, while it continues to secretly enrich uranium for military aims," he said.
Israel officials are also looking to Washington, which expressed satisfaction over the agreement being formulated, as it was reached via dialogue rather than threats. At this time, Jerusalem will refrain from an official response to the draft agreement.
Meanwhile, the breakthrough in the nuclear talks raised fears in Paris as well. France's foreign minister expressed a firm position on the matter, making it clear that the French government expects Iran to carry out its obligations by the end of the year, and that this constitutes a red line for officials in Paris.
