AIPAC's analysis of current issues, policy and legislation.
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June 01, 2012
After two rounds of negotiations, Tehran continues to reject demands by the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany (P5+1) to suspend higher-level enrichment and transfer outside of the country its stockpile of 20-percent enriched uranium. Iran has taken advantage of the talks to advance its nuclear program and cleanse a suspected nuclear site. If any hope remains to persuade Tehran to come into compliance with its obligations, the international community must dramatically step up pressure on Iran. Tehran cannot be allowed to exploit yet another round of talks to advance its nuclear weapons pursuit.
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May 03, 2012
The new round of talks between Iran and the international community must rapidly produce meaningful steps by Tehran to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. The White House is demanding that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment and make a verifiable decision to end its pursuit of a nuclear weapon. The international community must step up sanctions implementation until Iran meets its international obligations. Iran cannot be allowed to use talks to surreptitiously continue its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.
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May 03, 2012
Recently adopted U.S. and international sanctions, designed to persuade Tehran to end its pursuit of nuclear weapons, are having an unprecedented impact on the Iranian economy. The value of Iran’s currency has dropped by more than half, while Iran struggles to conduct basic international trade. European and Asian nations are reducing their purchases of Iranian crude, while foreign commodities suppliers are hesitant to ship to a nation having difficulty paying its bills. Iran can resume normal trade and financial ties with the world by coming into compliance with its nonproliferation obligations and terminating its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
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May 02, 2012
Amid unprecedented Mideast chaos and instability, Israel and the United States are facing a host of growing security challenges, including the expanding rocket and missile arsenals of Hamas, Hizballah, Syria and Iran. The terrorist groups, backed by their state sponsors, have fired thousands of rockets and missiles at Israeli civilians since 2005. American personnel in the Middle East and elsewhere face similar threats. The United States and Israel can address these threats through expanding cooperation to protect citizens and soldiers of both nations.
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April 17, 2012
The United States faces extraordinary challenges to its security, economy and preeminent role in world aff airs. American military leaders repeatedly warn that we cannot meet these challenges through costly military force alone. U.S. leadership in the world today also depends on a robust foreign aid budget.
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March 26, 2012
A nuclear-capable Islamic Republic of Iran is a grave threat to U. S. national security. It is essential that the United States lead the effort to prevent one of the most dangerous countries in the world from having the most lethal weapon known to man.
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March 14, 2012
Recently adopted U.S. and international sanctions, designed to persuade Tehran to end its pursuit of nuclear weapons, are having an unprecedented impact on the Iranian economy. The value of Iran’s currency has dropped by half, while Iran struggles to conduct basic international trade. China, Japan, and South Korea appear to be reducing their purchases of Iranian crude, while foreign commodities suppliers are hesitant to ship to a nation having difficulty paying its bills. Iran can resume normal trade and investment ties with the world by coming into compliance with its nonproliferation obligations and terminating its nuclear weapons program.
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March 03, 2012
Iran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapons capability would mark a significant new regional danger, as Tehran would be able to use its status as a nuclear-capable state to increase its power and threaten U.S. national security. To stop Iran from becoming a nuclear threshold state, the United States must dramatically quicken the pace and scope of sanctions while bolstering the credibility of its option to use force. The United States cannot rely on a policy that seeks to contain a nuclear Iran.
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March 03, 2012
The Middle East is experiencing unprecedented chaos and instability. Israel is contending both with emerging threats and heightened traditional security challenges, including: Iran’s approaching nuclear weapons capability; Islamist parties dominating Egypt; violence reigning in Syria; Hizballah expanding its military might and influence in Lebanon; increasing uncertainty for Jordan’s leadership; and PA President Abbas reconciling with an unreformed Hamas and refusing talks with Israel. Amid these new realities, the United States should further strengthen its security relationship with Israel, America’s leading ally in the Middle East.
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March 01, 2012
Members of the House and Senate have introduced resolutions (H. Res. 568 and H. Res. 380) that say it is in the vital national interest of the United States to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. Iran’s acquisition of such a capability—even before it possesses an actual nuclear weapon—would mark a significant new regional danger, as Tehran would be able to use its status as a nuclear-capable state to increase its regional leverage, threaten broad American interests, and likely spur a nuclear arms race.
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February 10, 2012
Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’ decision to pursue an interim unity government with Hamas will severely hinder Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. As Abbas well knows, Hamas remains a terrorist group bent on Israel’s destruction. Congress has made clear to the PA that U.S. aid will be jeopardized if a unity government is formed as a result of an agreement with an unreformed Hamas.
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February 10, 2012
Iran is approaching a nuclear weapons capability. Iran’s acquisition of such a capability—even before it possesses an actual nuclear weapon—would mark a significant new regional danger, as Tehran would be able to use its status as a nuclear-capable state to increase its regional leverage, threaten broad American interests, and likely spur a nuclear arms race. The United States must make clear that Iran will not be permitted to achieve a nuclear weapons capability.
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January 20, 2012
Iran’s decision to begin enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade at an underground bunker is a dangerous escalation by Tehran. This advancement comes just months after the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) unprecedented report detailing for the first time that Iran had engaged in activities related to the production of nuclear weapons. Although sanctions against Iran have begun to take effect, the United States and its allies must fully implement the complete menu of sanctions at their disposal to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons breakout capability.