BICOM

In back to back speeches at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference in Washington, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Vice President Joe Biden appeared to concur that time is running out on finding a diplomatic solution to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and warned that the threat of credible military action will be enacted should such efforts fail.

Last week, the latest round of talks were held in Kazakhstan between Iran and the P5+1 powers, including the United States, in order to secure Iranian commitments that would end concerns over its nuclear programme. However, little significant progress was made and Biden yesterday warned that although there is still time to find a diplomatic solution “that window is closing”. He emphasised that if “the need to act occurs,” that the world should know “we did everything that reasonably could have been expected to avoid any confrontation.” Biden then warned “We are not looking for war. We are looking to and ready to negotiate peacefully, but all options, including military force, are on the table,” before emphasising “President Barack Obama is not bluffing.”

Speaking via a live video link directly after Biden, Netanyahu struck a similar tone on Iran. He said, “Time after time the world’s leading powers have tabled offers,” but that “diplomacy has not worked. Iran ignores all these offers. It’s running out the clock.” Netanyahu concluded that “Words alone will not stop Iran. Sanctions alone will not stop Iran. Sanctions must be coupled with a clear and credible military threat if sanctions fail.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Ehud Barak, is scheduled to meet new US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon later today. Reuters says they are expected to discuss various issues including the Iranian nuclear threat.