Report: US sends indirect message to Iran
The United States has indirectly informed Iran, via two
European nations, that it would not back an Israeli strike against the
country's nuclear facilities, as long as Tehran refrains from attacking
American interests in the Persian Gulf, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday.
According to the report, Washington used covert
back-channels in Europe to clarify that the US does not intend to back Israel
in a strike that may spark a regional conflict.
In return, Washington reportedly expects Iran to steer
clear of strategic American assets in the Persian Gulf, such as military bases
and aircraft carriers.
Israeli officials reported an unprecedented low in the
two nations' defense ties, which stems from the Obama administration's desire
to warn Israel against mounting an uncoordinated attack on Iran.
The New York Times reported Monday that US President
Barack Obama is promoting a series of steps meant to curb an Israeli offensive
against Iran, while forcing the Islamic Republic to take the nuclear
negotiations more seriously.
One of the steps considered is "an official
declaration by Obama about what might bring about American military action, as
well as covert activities that have been previously considered and
rejected," the report said.
Several of Obama's top advisors believe that Jerusalem is
seeking an unequivocal American statement regarding a US strike on Iran –
should it actively pursue a nuclear bomb.
Israel hopes such a statement is made during Obama's
address before the UN General Assembly on September 25.
Others in the White House said Israel is trying to drag
the US into an unnecessary conflict in the Gulf.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday that
"There is absolutely no daylight between the United States and Israel when
it comes to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon."
Carney said that all options remain on the table for
Iran. He said the "window for diplomacy remains open," adding that
the diplomatic process remains the best way to deal with the Islamic Republic,
though "that window will not remain open indefinitely."
According to the New York Times, Washington has also sent
Iran a back-channel deal suggesting they curb their nuclear ambitions, but
Tehran rejected the deal, saying no agreement is possible sans lifting all
West-imposed sanctions.
According to the report, the Obama administration is
exploring the possibility of mounting a covert operation, as well as waging a
"quiet" cyber war against Iran.
President Obama had previously rejected the notion,
fearing such cyber assaults would wreak havoc on Iranian civilian life.
Later in September, the United States and more than 25
other nations will hold the largest-ever minesweeping exercise in the Persian
Gulf, in what military officials say is a demonstration of unity and a
defensive step to prevent Iran from attempting to block oil exports through the
Strait of Hormuz.
In fact, the United States and Iran have each announced
what amounted to dueling defensive exercises to be conducted this fall, each
intended to dissuade the other from attack.
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