Clinton: I Do Not Hesitate to Use Military Action to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, warned Iran on Wednesday, September 9, that as president, she would not hesitate to use military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. According to the Associated Press, Clinton noted that she personally participated in the lengthy negotiations related to the nuclear agreement with Iran, praising the deal as part of a broader strategy for the Middle East. However, she emphasized that this agreement is not an effort to normalize relations with Iran. The former U.S. Secretary of State spoke at a strategic research center in Washington, stating, 'We must consider that the issue of Iran will be a serious test for the next U.S. president. Iran wants to see how far it can change the rules to its advantage.' In another part of her remarks, she said, 'If I become president, Iran's efforts will go nowhere. I will respond severely to any violation by Iran of the agreement and its commitments.' Clinton's statements came as Congress prepared to discuss the nuclear agreement with Iran. Democrats have secured enough votes to prevent a vote on the agreement. Although this agreement is one of the significant successes of the Barack Obama administration and was achieved despite unified and fierce opposition from Republicans, its implementation and oversight will fall to the next U.S. administration, making it a key issue in the presidential election. Republicans are trying to intensify opposition in Congress and among the American Jewish community against this agreement, condemning it as part of Obama-Clinton foreign policy. According to a Pew Research Center poll released on Tuesday, only 21% of Americans support the nuclear agreement with Iran, a 12% decrease since mid-July. In her remarks, Clinton referenced heavy sanctions, including the possibility of military action if Iran fails to meet its commitments, attempting to persuade critics of the agreement. She also expressed support for Israel, whose prime minister is a staunch opponent of the agreement, promising that if elected, she would invite the Israeli prime minister to the White House in her first month in office. Clinton stated, 'Iranians and the entire world must know that if necessary, we will act decisively. As president, I will take whatever actions are necessary to defend the U.S. and its allies.' She issued a serious warning to Iran, asserting that rejecting the nuclear agreement would lead to America's international isolation. The Democratic candidate added, 'Several Republican candidates have said that if they come to power, they will tear up this agreement. This is not leadership but irresponsibility.' Clinton stated she would take necessary actions to prevent Iran from supporting terrorist groups and other destructive activities in the region. Her proposals include increasing U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf and enhancing support for Israel and other U.S. allies in the region. Clinton also suggested forming a coalition to prevent arms shipments to Hamas and combat armed groups supported by Iran, including Hezbollah in Lebanon. Another point in Clinton's remarks was pressuring regional countries to prevent the entry and movement of aircraft and ships carrying weapons from the Revolutionary Guard within their territories. The Associated Press recalls that Clinton played a significant role during her tenure as Secretary of State in initiating negotiations with Iran that led to the Vienna agreement in July. She sent one of her senior advisors to secret negotiations with Iran hosted by the Sultan of Oman, which laid the groundwork for a new round of negotiations in recent years. According to advisors, even after stepping down from her position as Secretary of State, Clinton has remained closely informed about the progress of the negotiations. Her support for the Obama administration's nuclear agreement with Iran contradicts her previous positions regarding Barack Obama's policies. In her 2008 campaign, Clinton described her rival Barack Obama's invitation to Iranian leaders for direct and unconditional dialogue as 'irresponsible and naive.' In contrast, Barack Obama characterized Clinton's previous remarks, in which she stated, 'If Iran uses nuclear weapons against Israel, that country will be obliterated,' as harsh and brazen, akin to George W. Bush's rhetoric.