The Daily The Secret Push to Strike Iran
Sep 6, 2019
Mark Mazzetti, a Washington investigative correspondent for The New York Times, uncovers the hidden tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran over nuclear weapon development. He reveals the narrow escapes from war pushed by Israeli leaders, particularly Netanyahu’s aggressive military strategies. Mazzetti discusses the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal and how Israel's internal dissent complicates responses to Iran's ambitions. He also highlights how election politics influence foreign policy decisions during critical moments.
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Diplomatic Tension
- The U.S. and Israel have a complicated relationship regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.
- Netanyahu's push for military action against Iran influenced Obama's decision to pursue a diplomatic solution.
Secret Negotiations
- Obama began secret negotiations with Iran without informing Israel.
- This decision stemmed from a mistrust of Netanyahu and fear he'd leak the information.
Near Strike
- Israel was closer to striking Iran in 2012 than previously known, but internal dissent and lack of crucial weaponry hampered the plan.
- The US, aware of the dissent within Netanyahu's cabinet, refused to supply a bunker-buster bomb, leading to further tension.