U.S. Defense Secretary: Iran could get nuclear bomb within a year
Speaking in an interview with CBS Evening News, Leon Panetta says Israel's concern for a nuclear Iran is a 'common concern' of the U.S., who does not rule out a military strike.
By Haaretz Tags: Iran nuclear Iran threat Israel USU.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said Monday that Iran will have a nuclear weapon within one year, if not less.
Speaking in an interview with CBS Evening News, Leon Panetta said that it would probably take a year for Tehran to assemble a nuclear bomb, but said that one provision is if the Iranians have a hidden facility that "may be enriching fuel."
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U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
Panetta said Israel's concern for a nuclear Iran is a "common concern" of the U.S., and that Washington would not rule out a military attack.
"The United States does not want Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. That's a red line for us and that's a red line, obviously, for the Israelis," he told CBS.
"If they (Iran) proceed and we get intelligence that they are proceeding with developing a nuclear weapon then we will take whatever steps necessary to stop it."
When asked by CBS whether the U.S. would consider taking military steps, Panetta said, "There are no options off the table," and added that a nuclear Iran is "unacceptable".
According to CBS, Panetta added that, while the Iranians need a year or less to assemble a weapon, he has no indication yet as to whether they have decided to pursue that path.
Earlier this month, Panetta sent a clear message that Israel should not consider unilateral action against Iran. Speaking on December 2 at Washington's Saban Center for the Middle East, Panetta said the key to effective action against Iran's nuclear ambitions was close cooperation between allies.
Panetta's words echoed a similar message delivered during a recent visit to Israel, in which he stressed that any military operation against Iran by Israel must be coordinated with the United States and have its backing. "There is always a military option," he said, "but it must be the last resort, not the first."
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Panetta's full message is more complex than what he presented in that speech. "We are in constant dialogue with the Americans," he said, adding, "I've met Panetta about a dozen times over the last two or three years. In person we hold more intensive talks."
Barak said the entire international community agrees the diplomatic course should be pursued and use of sanctions must be exhausted, yet, he added that "no option should be taken off the table. Israel is responsible for its security, its future and its existence."
On Friday December 16, Barak met with U.S. President Barack Obama prior to the latter's remarks at the General Assembly of the Union for Reform Judaism in Maryland. He has also spoken to the top diplomatic and military leadership in the Obama administration over the past several weeks, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, as well as Panetta.
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And now he asserts the Iran's ambition that they may get their nukes within a year...He is merely regurgitating what he already said twice before on this subject (HERE) .. And yes to the one below me (no name tho) On How George Wya through Condi Rice would back the Jews.I said the same on one my post that Haarez does not deem to be worthy to publish. Bush jr was nmot all that bad toward Israel inspite his warrings toward Iraq etc. I'll take George Wya Bush anytime rather than Obama..
This exact same headline appeared in the spring of 2006. We will be told over and over that we are months away. Brace yourself--they already have it! Its time to act.
Under Obama, it is simply not intelligent enough to be credited. Let's meet at Pizza Hut and let our code word be "pizza". Get Smart !
Ok folks, this is the last piece of the Pre-war ritual that we all know sooooo well, Iran have been demonised in the press, then they have been accused of "Threatening to destroy the world" given half a chance, and now they will have a Nuclear weapon (WMD) in a year? By March 2012, we will be invading....no question, same formula, same goals, same industrialists pulling the strings.
time to find a new story.
Israel has hundreds of nukes and the US has thousands of nukes.
First of all Canadian, who appointed Israel and the USA as the police force of this world. Israel is more dangarouse with its nuclear weapons and bombs, than Iran or any other Arab country. The world should be more aggresive towards dissarming Israel of its nuclear arsenal than worrying about Iran getting nuclear power.
no, what john mentioned was the hypocracy of western states.. they can have nuke and not sign the NPT yet they can bully anyone into giving up that right. given the constant harrasment by israel, iran should keep all the options on the table..
Iraq was nothing but lies. What did Libya do? Why don't they mention that China kills millionsof their own people? WHy did we allow the Commies to freely murder tens of millions of their people? There is one place we should have trooops to keep the peace and that's Israel. But Israel does not want us to learn what they do to Palestinians.
Sorry but iran already have nuclear capabilities, it,s not so hard to implement. Nuclear weapons are old technologies.....
We citizens should get together and tell the Jews to just shut up. WHat could Iran do with one nuke or 10 nukes? Let's say they sent a nuke to Israel and it heads for Tel Aviv and the Arabs look up and see 100 coming towards them. I mean Pakistan and India got the nukes. I say do away with all of them, because we will not be able to deal with the nuclear waste in another 50 years. The citizens if we could all put down our tools the whole world would come to a stop. We are just pawns and they allow us to vote while they give us two kosher approved candidates to choose from.
Let's all face it. Israel rules the world and it's not a theory. It's been proven because they tell the U.N. to get screwed and the USA backs Israel everytime. Israelis could go to a hospital and rape and murder 1,000 babies and countries would pull their ambassadors and the worl would cry and people would call for all kinds of sanctions and then a couple months go by and just like the refugee camps where they slaughtered everyone and murdering children and shelling ciites and soon people forget. because you keep moving forward, except the Jews can always cry holocaust and they can always cry that they lived in Palestine. Every country had land stolen from them. If a country starts a war with your country based on lies and you lose the war what gives them the right to steal your land as in the case of Germany?
Israel loses the popularity vote. Everyone dislikes Israel. Every politician in every country knows about Israel. But they don't care they control the media, banks, educationa and all the governments. If you print the truth about Israel you will be attacked. It's really no use to even talk about Israel, because all the leaders know about Israel. If they aren't going to do anythng, then we can't even think about it. All the citizens could do is all of them could move to a better place like South AMerica. We could all decide not to spend one dime except for food and clothing and the economy would tank. But they create thngs like credit and 30 year mortgages and we fall into the trap. We spend money on things we don't need and can't afford. We finance homes for 30 years and throw away most of it on interest. If you can' pay off a home in 10 years you can't afford the home.
"U.S. Defense Secretary: Iran could get nuclear bomb within a year" "U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said Monday that Iran will have a nuclear weapon within one year, if not less. " One line says they could get it and the other says they will. Even the propaganda pushes don't know what their doing.
who wouldnt like to have nukes with such violent neighbours like israel and united states.
The emperor has no clothes..Truth is, the US have absolutely no idea what they're talking about when it comes to Iran's nuclear program..According to the US, Iran's always a year away or a few months from getting the bomb since the 1990s..THEY HAVE NO CLUE apart from spewing out the usual "all options on the table" BS!!! As a matter of fact, it's getting boring and people are actually beginning to see through the charade :) How long will this go on?
i am turkish and we want a nuclear iran. persians can balance the jews and americans in the middle east and we can get rid of the americans.
Here we go again have we forgotten the Iraq lies already,we I hope we dont make that mistake again,there are years away from having a weapon why does the USA fight Wars on behalf of big business.
Every week some phony joins the war drum club. This one says 1 year. Last one said 3. Is this a bet? Give it a rest guys. Better go home and care for your families.
our families without the constant threat of somebody constantly reminding us we need to be slaughtered. This is not about "boring", this is unfortunately as boring as the joy of life and the determination to enjoy it.
How do they know this? Seriously, does Iran give Panetta get weekly updates? Do they just fly a drone over and take a picture of the developing bomb? Do they collect this info through espionage and then tell everyone just because the info happens to back their ambitions? Or are all of the above BS and they're just making this up as they go. I honestly cannot see how any except the last of those could be true.
I doubt there will be any American atack on Iran when Obama has tried so hard to extract himself from Iraq. he mistake was AIPAC's choice of stopping Iraqi sponsorship of suicide bombings in Israel rather than realising Iran was pursuing a nuclear programme
He left at the time the Bush regime decided - so much for the "Yes We Can" difference! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S.%E2%80%93Iraq_Status_of_Forces_Agreement
walt d, fake harzion, michael uk, chomsky, and many others. i still hope that obama, however reluctantly, will assume the responsibility that is incumbant upon him as president of the us.
The countries who have nukes will never give them up.Better think before assuming they are going to.
in the media, iran already launched a nuke on israel. in reality, iran nuking israel is unfeasible due tomany many many reasons which include geography, population, a response attack, a preemptive strike, a failed launch... kindly remember your ethics and stop spreading the war monger propaganda. where i stand, iran hasnt attacked a single foreign entity. on the other hand america attacked iraq unjustly, israel attacked syria, iraq, lebanon, amongst other countries as well as thier numerous assassinations. how about you spread facts for once.
and start working for your own country the usa.
there's no where to hide them. they ain't going away. and Israel has a serious image problem,as does the U.S., in Egypt for example, and that can only get worse if the Arabs folks in Western Jordan (Eastern Israel :) and Gaza are not provided a home of their own. Obama's offering help with the little problem of Iranian nukes and apparently is trusting Israeli leadership to give him a win by ratifying a Palestinian State alongside the Jewish one, which can then remain Jewish. Obama will get re-elected anyway. Which is a good idea anyway. Both. Oh - and it might not always seem like it - but Obama does take Pakistan seriously. Sorry guys but calling him a wimp doesn't make it that way.
There is absolutely no proof from any intelligence agency that Iran has decided to weaponise their nuclear programme. Which of course is the worse case scenerio for netanyahu, I expect him to do something desperate over the Christmas period to trigger a war in which the United States has to get involved
with an explicit promise to attack iran, he was hoping the west would do it on his behalf and he wouldn't have to fulfill this particular election pledge
Is the US making plans to invade Iran anytime soon? They have just announced the "end" of their occupation of Iraq. I guess that was just to prepare the ground for their occupation of Iran.
the usa will bankrupt just like the ussr. you better dump israel and Fed.
You did it 70 years ago...
city in Iran, every oil facility and every port. This will always be an option !
you complain about Iranians "threatening to wipe you off the map"? (which is a lie by the way. Iran never said that.) Hypocrite.
True Che- and five US children die every 24 hours from abuse..shocking statistics and the highest in the 'developed world.'
can read all about it here----http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irgun If you have the intellectual courage.
They allow them to have one or two nukes, but you let them create a stockpile like Israel has and they won't allow it. Having a nuke and having 100 nukes is different. Plus is it a megaton or 25 megaton? Can it hit something on the other side of the world? If India sent over a nuke I'm sure we could destroy it. The countries that can deliver nukes from subs is a problem and damn few have that. Israel is acquiring nuke subs and Russia and the USA have many nuclear subs. If the Jews didn't control the world each country would have a small army. Because a country needs nothing bigger than 100,000 man army and they can easily train men if things got bad. It makes no sense having a 2 million man army. The USA could go from no soldiers to 1 million ready to go inside of 3 months. So it's nonsense to have all these soldiers all over the world.Becuase then they have to have something to do. They h ave to play army.
stop BS
News to me. But 444 days in the hostage corner doesn't get forgotten in a flash. As an act of war, holding an entire nation hostage through the proxy of a Islamist student terrorist group's 444 day capture of embassy personnel was no mere siege or embargo. And there's the rub: the "by proxy" part. As of yesterday, Iran remained entrenched with armed groups engaging Israel on two fronts in open combat and through daily indiscriminate shelling of civilians. Is it the same Iran now as then? Or more so?
Do we really need this never-ending war mongering over the possibility that Iran migh be thinking of having one as well? Will this irresponsible farce never end? America has waged two decade-long murderous wars in the Middle East and Israel is oppressing the Occupied Palestinian Territories. What a pair of hypocritical thugs.
US created a havoc in Iraq, now they try to fix it by starting another war due wishes of the lobby.
What? Where were you during the Iran hostage crisis? And where have you been since open hostilities began between Hamas in the south and Hezbellah in the north and where they get all their stuff and instruction from? You're kidding me, right?
aipac.
even pointed at the region, stop the hypocrisy!
Yeah, and Police have guns but I don't expect them to start threatening us. When Ahmadinejad announced recently that Israel should be, and I quote, not wiped off the face of the Earth, but "Eradicated" then I would consider this of great concern. I take it you're a Jew Zett, living in Israel? Or a Palestinian living in Israel? I didn't think so.
israel does threat and have the nukes.
when Bush even decided the military option was off the table? It appears you have spat out your dummy because the goy in the goyim are refusing to do your bidding. Face up to the brutal truth Israel will have to readjust it's defence profile to one of mutually assured destruction to counter a threat which may or may not exist
Not one more drop of Goyim blood should be spilt for Zionist goals. And certainly not for illegal land thieves such as jehudah.
there is no doubt that iran will not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. the irony is that your post demonstrates conclusively that iran wants nuclear weapons for offencive purposes.
Don't you worry Michael, we'll be there when it happens, for good or bad there's going to be a War. Sure, Israel wants the balance of power in the ME, It's not however about Israel, or the Lobby, it's about OIL and if you think OIL's not important then I suggest you think again. Most countries are wetting themselves right now and they will only be too happy to see Iran's aspiration as a regional superpower draw swiftly to a close. Blame the Yids if you like, I wouldn't expect anything less (or more) from you.
Middle East Peace. Tell that to the rebellion in Syria. 5,000 lives lost already. Perhaps Israel - the only state without a monarchy system of gov't - has proved to be a poor example in your eyes. If only Obama hadn't delivered that speech in Cairo.. That's it, they're all trouble-makers!
obama decided to leave. he said he would leave when he was elected. the army wanted to stay. since obama is commander in chief, he had the last word.
Wow, some survey Michael. You must have missed a few breakfasts with that one. But if you say it, it must be true.
Unfortunatelly early. More invader deaths would have been great to ensure no more illegal wars
The treaty specified December 31, We left on December 19, 12 days early. That is 12 days before the Bush Cheney Admin agreed to have the US depart Iraq.
Iran is a messianic theocracy. Ever looked at a map of the region? It has enough conventional military power to close the Straits of Hormuz tomorrow and dictate the flow of 40% of the world's oil, turn the Gulf states into colonies and stifle the international influence of Sunni Saudi Arabia. However, the west would fight to preserve such a direct attack on its way of life. With nuclear weapons Iran can do what it likes with its neighbours and the world oil supply, with impunity. Acquiring nuclear weapons is therefore a national interest for a messianic theocracy like Iran. BTW, in the short term, America has more to fear from a nuclear Iran than Israel.
Your point is?
A messianic theocracy? Trying to control the flow of oil to the west? Wants to turn the Gulf States into colonies? Trying to stifle the influence of Sunni Saudi Arabia? In a position to close the Straits of Hormuz tomorrow? No of course not. Because Israel, unlike Iran, is not a clear and present danger to the lifestyle of the secular, pluralist democracies of the western world. Therefore it is in the national interest of the west to prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons - even if the fringe looney left fellow-travellers disagree.
Who's to say for sure Iran doesn't already have a bomb? The USSR fell, was broke. Iran had money and could have bought it from Russa. But if Iran is attacked; by anyone; Everyone is going to get a taste from Russa and China. They don't like America. But nobody likes Israel!! So all you armchair generals need to get a grip. Think about who you are and what your best chances are: America's wouldn't be all that great. But Israel would be a krispy kritter!
12.21.12 - the day USA and Israel attacks Ira China joins in, perhaps russia 12.21.12 - the day that WW3 will start 12.21.12 - the day that foreshadows the end of the world
So, you prophesize that the U.S. will attack Iran in 2012, then China and Russia will attack the U.S. with nuclear weapons. This is WW3 and the end of the world. Oh dear, and I have already booked my holidays. Do you think I should cancel?
please go about your holiday,it is not the end of the world yet.all these happening are meant to fulfill the prophecies,but the end is not yet,though not far.the day or the time of the end of times ,is hidden from us .no one knows the hour,except God,however the prophecies are meant to be signs to show the time is near.and believe me it is very near and middle east will play a very important role to fulfill this.merry Xmas malatesta and enjoy your holidays but be alert for that time.
Sorry but you're way out Sheikz. It's 12.21 09. and we're all in Heaven playing with the little sheep and singing nice songs of Freedom. Look, there's Jesus, Mohamed and Moses all having a debate, blaming each other for all the wars and countless deaths . Damn it, I've just noticed I haven't wound the clock up for three years.
HaShem will protect them. The leftists have are not going to be so lucky. And if the bombs doesn't fry them, Islamists will get them (first) because their liberal lifestyle is disgusting to Muslims.
Given His record during the Holocaust, I would (unfortunately) not be so sure. I say this not to gloat over the slaughter of Jews (and others) by rightists, but simply to point out the falsity of this complacent view. Why do people so often repeat it, particularly on Haaretz talkback, and don't realize how stupid it sounds? Are they relying on the feeling that it is bad taste to point out what happened to so many innocent Jews at the hands of European right wingers? Quite the opposite is the case. It is disrespectful to the victims to pretend that such things cannot happen.
Not much sign of tongue-in-cheekery about leftists in the first posting, which does not support the idea that the other part was an attempt at sarcasm. Though it would be nice to think so, of course.
Does Mr. Paneta mean they will have one developed in one year or we will deliver one onto their nuclear facilities in one year?
you have less than a year.
Israel is the source of oppresion and misery of milions people and many wars.
They have the bomb. What makes them special. If they abolished theirs I would be in favour of stopping Iran. But not when you have them.
Actually nobody trusts Iran to have WMD. One not-so-accurate 100 lbs of U235 takes out any entire aircraft carrier battle group. N. Korea is still there because they have maybe a few half nukes and China owns that problem. I think the entire world understands that the door to the nuclear club is now closed indefinitely, whatever the status of trust is in a particular regime.
I am voting Ron Paul, I am sick and tired of this hypocrisy. Even if Iran has a bomb I doubt they will use it. US/ Israeli scare tactics are becoming like a soap opera
The obsessive hatred of the Jewish state is so great that the looney left is now prepared to vote for an extreme right-wing isolationist candidate. BTW, with Ron Paul you can say goodbye to the $38 billion to feed the children of the Arab Spring. Anyway, if you hate Jews more than you love your children, Ron Paul is your man.
is a radical
And Moses was not?
"hate Jews more than you love your children" WOW, the media sure has done it's job on you this past decade... False flag after false flag and you forgot what liberty and peace through diplomatic strength is all about. Horrific and appalling. So go grab your rifle and lead the charge. Go, go... Are you up yet you globalist puppet?
Did I read that right? Panetta has just signalled that the USA can live with an Iran that has the ability to build nukes so long as it refrains from actually assembling one? If that is so (and that's how the Iranians will take this "message") then what, exactly, is all the fuss about?
The US started the Iranian nuclear program when the Shah was in power. What you describe was the Shah's goal, too. Capability does not equal intent. And so far, Israel has not given any evidence to the US of secret facilities or intent to actually build.
The US started the Iranian nuclear program when the Shah was in power. What you describe was the Shah's goal, too. Capability does not equal intent. And so far, Israel has not given any evidence to the US of secret facilities or intent to actually build.
"Israel's nuclear ambitions"?? Hasn't the program got beyond that stage ... a few decades ago?
Is there no danger here of mistaking what governments say for what the people think?
criticizing, challenging and mistrusting Israel and zionism, no dought about that given the history.
Why is it 'obvious'? Israel has a crushing deterrent, and in any case, Pakistan is a far more serious threat. This is basically fabricated. An enemy is needed and Iran is it.
we do not need another pakistan or another north korea.
iran has been under numerous chaptervii unscr's for years now. iran is further under sanctions by the uk, france and the us. iran's nuclear weapons ambitions have been under a microscope for two decades. iran has been quite lucky so far, but its luck might be running out.
Predict the future or SECRET-ary of Defense? Which? 0 Proof = 0 Logic
"one proviso is if the Iranians have a hidden facility that "may be enriching fuel." Another proviso could be that I'm the Queen of England and therefore you should proceed to take the title away from me through violence. Vote for Ron Paul!
The four people who gave you your thumbs down as till now should have shown you some respect and asked "How would you like your tea, Madam Queen Nina" Vote for Paul
"He has no indication yet as to whether they have decided to pursue that path". How do you, a Defense Secretary of the US, make such an accusation and give it such a harsh tone with so many "options of military strike on the 'table' " and have 0.00 proof?? Its ridiculous! I guess you can't spell secretary without secret...
"Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship. ...voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country"
We will all be killed. USA/Israel-NO WAR!!!
I've been hearing that since 1998.all I want to know is when that year will arrive
All the known facilities are monitored. So where is the hidden facility that is making bomb grade enriched uranium?
I believe their under your bed playing cards with some Russian soldiers waiting for there attack orders??
iran did
it's a good question. Of course there's a reason, and it's the same reason that Gays, Blacks, Asians, fat people, skinny people, old people, Travelers, Gypsies and currently Muslims are despised..it's ignorance, plain and simple. Hitler put to death German children who had learning difficulties. Anything that didn't fit in with his distorted view was made to look sinister. It appeals to the ignorant masses, looking for a reason why their miserable unfulfilled lives didn't live up to their expectations. You're not alone in your ignorance. But if none of that resonates with your personal bigotry and Racist views then try the "Jews killed Christ" one. That has always gone down a treat. Yes , we killed the son of G-d. dirty, filthy greedy Jews.
Panetta has just ruled out any attack on Iran **unless** it starts to enrich its uranium to weapons-grade. The Iranians have shown not the slightest inclination to do that, so "all options are on the table" is an empty threat i.e. the Iranians can develop the capability, so long as they don't actually put uranium inside a bomb.....