Iran cancels next round of nuclear talks with US as Israeli strikes continue | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Israeli strikes on Iran: Targeting nuclear facilities, military leaders, and infrastructure.
• Iranian nuclear program: Uranium enrichment, potential for weaponization.
• US involvement: Allegations of complicity, defense support for Israel, potential for direct conflict.
• Diplomacy: Ceasefire, negotiations, potential for a revised nuclear deal.
• Escalation: Risk of a wider conflict, potential for Iranian retaliation against US assets.

Israeli Strikes on Iran

• Israel has reportedly used warplanes to target key facilities, top generals, and scientists within Iran.
• Israel claims to have achieved air superiority from western Iran to Tehran.
• The stated objective is to disable Iran's nuclear program.
• Iranian officials report 78 deaths and over 300 injuries as a result of these attacks.
• Beyond nuclear facilities, military installations have also been targeted, and Israel has assassinated top Iranian military leadership.

US Involvement and Complicity

• The US denies direct involvement in the attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, but Iran accuses Washington of complicity.
• Barbara Slavin suggests that President Trump may have given Netanyahu permission to carry out the strikes.
• Netanyahu has long considered Iran an existential threat to Israel and has desired to bomb Iranian nuclear installations for over a decade.
• Slavin posits that Netanyahu pressured Trump after Iran rejected a US proposal demanding the complete cessation of uranium enrichment.
• The US is providing defense support to Israel against Iranian retaliatory strikes.

Potential for Escalation and Iranian Retaliation

• Iran has threatened to attack US bases in the Middle East.
• If the US were to directly join Israel in bombing Iran, particularly targeting deeply buried sites like Fordo, Iran would likely retaliate against US forces and civilian installations in the region.
• Iran does not want to involve the US, given its military power.
• As the interview takes place, Israelis are reportedly bombing an Iranian natural gas facility in South Pars, an offshore field shared with Qatar.

Diplomatic Options and the Path Forward

• Slavin advises both sides to accept a ceasefire and return to negotiations.
• Talks in Oman were scheduled but have been cancelled.
• Slavin suggests the US should offer Iran a face-saving proposal, potentially allowing a small civilian nuclear program, similar to the 2018 nuclear deal.
• Diplomacy is presented as the only viable solution to prevent further escalation.
• Trump has reportedly spoken with Vladimir Putin, asking him to intervene and mediate between Israel and Iran.

The Nuclear Threat and Proliferation Concerns

• Iran has not developed nuclear weapons since 1957, when the US and Iran signed their first nuclear accord.
• Slavin and other non-proliferation experts fear that Israeli attacks will incentivize Iran to build nuclear weapons as a deterrent against future attacks.
• The assassination of top Iranian military leaders complicates future negotiations, as it eliminates potential counterparts.

Notable Quotes:

• "Netanyahu has been wanting to bomb Iran's nuclear installations uh for more than a decade and that he has seen Iran as an existential threat to to Israel" - Barbara Slavin
• "Diplomacy is the only way to resolve this" - Barbara Slavin
• "Israeli attacks will incentivize Iran to build bombs because how else can Iran protect itself against future such attacks" - Barbara Slavin

Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Uranium Enrichment: The process of increasing the concentration of uranium-235 in uranium, making it suitable for use in nuclear reactors or weapons.
• Fordo: A deeply buried Iranian uranium enrichment site.
• South Pars: An Iranian natural gas field shared with Qatar.
• Non-proliferation: Efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The interview highlights a dangerous escalation between Israel and Iran, fueled by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets. The US role is complex, with allegations of complicity and the potential for direct involvement. The risk of a wider conflict is significant, and the only viable solution is a return to diplomacy. The attacks may incentivize Iran to pursue nuclear weapons, further destabilizing the region. The assassination of Iranian military leaders further complicates the prospect of future negotiations.