Barack Obama: We Have Real Differences with Netanyahu Over Iran

Barack Obama, the President of the United States, stated on Monday, February 9, that he has "very real differences" with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, regarding Iran and the intensification of sanctions against it. In a press conference with Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, in Washington, Obama referred to his reluctance to meet with Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to the U.S., saying, "As much as I like Ms. Merkel, if she also wanted to come to the White House two weeks before the elections in Germany, an invitation would not have been sent to her either." Obama then expressed that he does not believe Merkel had such an expectation herself. Netanyahu is scheduled to speak in Congress about Iran's nuclear program and the need to pressure Tehran in about a month. Obama stated that he, Merkel, David Cameron (the Prime Minister of the UK), and others involved in the negotiations believe that intensifying sanctions is "not reasonable." At this stage, the issues with Iran are no longer "technical" but now relate to "political will and desire." Obama added that the West seeks an agreement with Iran that allows the country to have a peaceful nuclear program with guarantees that Iran is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, stating, "Now is the time for Iran to make its decision." He described the time spent on nuclear negotiations with Iran as "fruitful," noting that the gaps between the two sides have narrowed and Iran has adhered to the interim Geneva agreement, and now it should be "capable of responding positively" to a final agreement, although he is uncertain if Iran will provide such a response. In response to journalists' questions about extending negotiations, Obama stated that if Iran does not agree to the "basic formula" that the West desires, he does not believe extending negotiations would be beneficial. "We cannot stand by and watch the borders of Europe change with the barrel of a gun," the U.S. President emphasized during the press conference with Angela Merkel, agreeing that in the 21st century, one cannot "sit idle" and watch borders change in Europe with "the barrel of a gun." Obama remarked that Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine has only led to greater international unity, and it is clear that Russia, instead of retreating, has sent more tanks and weapons into Ukraine, violating the Minsk agreement. The Ukrainian government signed a ceasefire agreement in September with the mediation of the European Union and negotiations with Russia in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, with pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine. However, the fighting has continued. Obama reiterated that the U.S. and its allies remain committed to finding a diplomatic solution to ease tensions with Russia, but they also assert that Russia's current approach will only result in increased political and economic isolation for the country, and Merkel agrees that the current sanctions against Russia should remain in place. He added that his administration is considering all options, including sending lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine if diplomatic efforts fail, but "no decision has been made in this regard yet." Reports indicate that Angela Merkel opposes sending weapons to Ukraine. In the press conference with Obama, Merkel stated that despite the failures of diplomatic efforts thus far, she does not see a military solution to the problem. She also mentioned that she has communicated her views to Barack Obama and emphasized that despite disagreements on some issues, the unity and friendship between the two countries remain strong. The U.S. President concluded by stating that he and Angela Merkel have agreed to move forward with NATO's strategy and continue to strengthen the alliance's presence in Eastern Europe, as well as work with the International Monetary Fund to assist Ukraine. Meanwhile, according to reports from AFP in Brussels, the European Union approved the intensification of sanctions against Russia on Monday but is waiting for the outcome of the negotiations between the leaders of Germany, Russia, France, and Ukraine on February 16, eight days from now.