US, Israel repeat threats against Iran

In continuation of their threadbare allegations against Iran, the Untied States and Israel have once again threatened that they will stop the country from developing its nuclear program.

In a new round of talks in their twice-yearly strategic dialogue held in Washington, senior US and Israeli officials issued a joint statement, pledging to prevent the Islamic Republic from “acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.”

The United States and Israel accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons program under the guise of peaceful work, a claim vehemently rejected by the Islamic Republic. The two states say that a military option against Tehran is still on the table.

Iran says as an IAEA member and a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) it is entitled to continue its peaceful nuclear program.

“While today’s strategic dialogue covered many subjects, it is clear that Iran is among the greatest challenges we face today in the Middle East,” US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon said in the statement.

“Iran’s continued noncompliance with its international obligations related to its nuclear program, as well as its continued support for terrorist entities, are of grave concern to our two countries and the entire international community,” a part of the statement claimed.

“Continued efforts by the international community to address Iran’s actions through both pressure and engagement are critical to changing Iran’s strategic calculus and preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability,” the statement said.

The United States spearheaded international efforts to impose a fourth round of UN Security Council sanctions against Iran in June.

On July 26, the European Union imposed new sanctions on Iran, which mainly target investment and technical assistance to Iran’s refining, liquefaction, and liquefied natural gas sectors. The sanctions also included the country’s banking and trade sectors.

The allegations and the unilateral sanctions against the Islamic Republic come while the US possesses a nuclear arsenal and has used atomic weapons in the past.