Germany ‘Will Not Accept an Iranian Nuclear Weapon’
May 4, 2012German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Thursday that the international community will block Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“The current Iranian nuclear program represents an enormous danger, not only to Israel but to the region as a whole,” Westerwelle told Jewish Global Forum in Washington.
“We cannot and will not accept an Iranian nuclear weapon… We need substantive and verifiable guarantees that Iran is not pursuing a nuclear weapon.”
Israel, Washington, the European powers, and Gulf Arab states are concerned Tehran is trying to develop atomic weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran insists its nuclear program is purely peaceful.
However, in early March, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said there were indications that Iran was engaged in nuclear weapons research.
“Iran is not telling us everything. That is my impression. We are asking Iran to engage with us proactively, and Iran has a case to answer,” said IAEA director Yukiya Amano.
His remarks followed two recent IAEA reports that indicated Iran had sought – and likely continues to seek – nuclear technologies of a military nature.
IAEA experts previously reported Iran’s production of 20% enriched uranium is far greater than needed for peaceful purposes. They also note Iran’s medical research sector is not sufficiently advanced to justify such production.
Last month, the so-called P5+1 group – the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany – met in Istanbul with Iranian officials to discuss their concerns, with a further meeting set for May 23 in Baghdad.
Israeli officials say further talks are futile and charge Iran is playing for more time to develop an atomic bomb.
However, Westerwelle called for further negotiations with Tehran, stressing that “our unity and our resolve are showing results.”
At the same time, he made clear that “our patience is limited. We will not accept playing for time,” adding, “the Iranian regime continues to threaten Israel with annihilation.”
“I want you to know that we will continue to stand by Israel’s side,” he told the Jewish Global Forum.
Israeli leaders have consistently warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to the Jewish state, and that a preemptive military strike remains “on the table.”
Similar posts
-
Israel Is Held To A Higher Standard Than Any Country
April 25, 2024In the intricate tapestry of global affairs, one nation stands out for enduring scrutiny and condem...
-
Israel Has The Most Moral Military In The World
April 10, 2024In the heart of a region often riddled with conflict, Israel stands out not only for its technologi...
-
The Resilience of the Israeli People
April 2, 2024Visitors from around the world have seen Hamas's October 7th Massacre's destruction in southern Isr...
-
Israel: Small Size, Big Impact
March 21, 2024Nestled along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is a land of immense historical sig...
-
Israelis Are Fighting For Their Lives
February 21, 2024By Jonathan S. Tobin The world looks a lot different from Kibbutz Kfar Aza than it does in the U...
-
Over 2 Million Arabs Live In Israel
January 23, 2024In the complex landscape of the Middle East, where diverse cultures and identities intersect, Israe...
-
'Fauda' Star Idan Amedi Injured Fighting in Gaza
January 8, 2024Despite the severity of his injuries, Amedi's father assured Israeli news channels that his life is...
-
Israel Is A Great Country To Live In
December 28, 2023Nestled at the crossroads of the Middle East, Israel stands as a vibrant and dynamic nation, offeri...