Carter: Military Option Against Iran Will Be More Effective Due to Nuclear Agreement

Ashton Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, in a note published on Friday, September 4, in the 'USA Today' newspaper, defended the nuclear agreement between six world powers and Iran, stating that this agreement will make any potential military option against Tehran more effective. According to the French news agency, the U.S. Secretary of Defense emphasized that the nuclear agreement with Iran will have lasting results. However, Mr. Carter clarified that the military option (against Iran) remains on the table and that if the necessity to use such an option arises, it will be more effective due to this agreement. Iran and the six world powers reached a comprehensive agreement in Vienna on July 14 to resolve the Islamic Republic's nuclear dispute. Under this agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran's nuclear program is limited, and in return, most international sanctions against Tehran will be lifted. The U.S. Congress is set to review this agreement by September 17. However, the Republicans, who hold the majority in Congress, oppose this agreement. Ashton Carter emphasized that 'today's agreement with Iran provides an opportunity to address a major nuclear threat. Therefore, Congress should support this agreement, as its implementation will eliminate a significant source of risk and instability in a vital and tumultuous region.' The U.S. Secretary of Defense wrote, 'The implementation of this agreement will close all pathways for Iran to obtain a nuclear bomb. In this case, the long-term effect of this agreement could yield more results than a military attack.' Mr. Carter, however, stated that to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through military means, more than one military attack would be necessary. The U.S. Secretary of Defense added, 'The military option is real today, and as Secretary of Defense, I will ensure it remains real in the future.' He stated, 'In fact, the prospect of any military options and actions under this agreement will be more effective. Iran will have a smaller, more focused civilian nuclear program, and verifications of the Iranian nuclear program will provide us with more information to plan accordingly.' Ashton Carter clarified, 'No one says the nuclear agreement (with Iran) solves all the issues and problems in the Middle East. While this agreement eliminates the risk of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, it will not affect Iran's destructive activities in the region. However, since this agreement does not impose military restrictions on the U.S., it will not hinder America's strategic approach in the region or our significant military actions to support friends in the Middle East and contain destabilizing activities.' Arab countries in the Gulf region express concern over Iran's actions in the region, and in this context, the King of Saudi Arabia has traveled to the U.S. to consult with Barack Obama on this issue. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. President is expected to assure the King of Saudi Arabia that the nuclear agreement will be accompanied by necessary actions to prevent Iran's 'ambitions' in the region. The report adds that although Saudi officials have expressed their support for the nuclear agreement with the Islamic Republic, they are also concerned about the international community's ability to implement the terms of this agreement.