AJC Urges Tougher Actions on Iran in Wake of IAEA Report

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Nov 08, 2011, 04:32 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC welcomes today's IAEA report confirming the grievous threat the Iranian nuclear program poses to global security.

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The international nuclear watchdog agency says it has "serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear program." Most alarming, the IAEA concluded that Iran has been conducting experiments "specific to nuclear weapons."

AJC is urging significantly toughened worldwide sanctions on Iran, focusing centrally on the regime's Achilles' heel—its banking and energy sectors. At the same time, no options should be off the table.

"IAEA Director Amano demonstrated leadership in overcoming the totally uncooperative, yet cunning, Iranian regime to get out the truth," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "No one can genuinely doubt anymore that the clear and present danger of a nuclear Iran demands immediate, coordinated, international action."

Progress in Iran's pursuit of nuclear-weapons capability has come despite four UN Security Council resolutions imposing economic and financial sanctions. The U.S., EU and several other countries have also targeted key Iranian companies and individuals. The last UN resolution was adopted by the Security Council in June 2010. Twelve member states voted in favor of the resolution, while Brazil and Turkey voted against and Lebanon abstained.

"Countries can no longer promote the myth that Iran's nuclear program is purely civilian in order to give preference to their own economic interests," said Harris. "After today, these nations can no longer stick their heads in the sand and feign ignorance."

AJC has been pressing the international community for well over a decade to take appropriate measures to deter Tehran. The issue topped the agenda in the more than 70 private meeting AJC held with presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers in September during the opening of the UN General Assembly session in New York in September.

"The ultimate threat to global peace and security of a nuclear Iran should not be underestimated," said Harris. "Iran's belligerent posture on the world stage is underscored by its support for global terrorism, as seen with the recent attempted assassination of the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. and the ongoing support for Hamas, Hezbollah and other terror groups."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee