Mossad Denies Opposition to New Sanctions Against Iran

The Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, denied reports about its opposition to the intensification of sanctions against Iran and differences of opinion with Benjamin Netanyahu on this matter. On Thursday, February 21, the German news agency published a statement from this intelligence agency emphasizing that "what has brought Iran to the negotiating table has been the impactful and exceptional factor of sanctions." This statement refers to remarks made by John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, during a joint press conference with Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief. Mr. Kerry reiterated the Obama administration's opposition to the approval of new sanctions against Iran in the U.S. Congress, stating that a senior Israeli security official had told a delegation of Congress members that intensifying sanctions against Iran would be like "throwing a grenade" into the negotiations. These remarks were cited by Bloomberg news agency to report on the differences between Mossad and Benjamin Netanyahu regarding further sanctions against Iran. However, Mossad explains the situation differently. In its statement, it mentions that on January 19, 2015, Tamir Pardo, the head of Mossad, met with U.S. senators at their request, and this meeting was approved by the Prime Minister. The statement then says, "Contrary to what has been reported, the head of Mossad did not say that he opposes additional sanctions against Iran; rather, what has brought Iran to the negotiating table has been the impactful and exceptional factor of sanctions." Mossad further emphasizes that the head of the organization did not use the phrase "throwing a grenade" in relation to sanctions against Iran, but rather that it was metaphorical, indicating that negotiations might temporarily face a crisis but would ultimately resume under better conditions. Mossad then warned that the agreement being pursued by Iran and the global powers is negative and could likely lead to an arms race in the region. Iranian officials and the 1+5 group countries say that the parties are likely to reach a political agreement by the end of March, after which efforts to agree on technical details will begin. In this context, the White House announced that Obama would not meet with Netanyahu during his visit to the U.S., a senior U.S. senator insisted on increasing sanctions against Iran, Zarif stated that negotiation and pressure cannot coexist, and that if the other side is ready, they are prepared to reach an agreement by the anniversary of the revolution. Congressional Republicans defended the necessity of proposing intensified sanctions against Iran, while there were differences between the White House and Congress regarding inviting Netanyahu to speak. Senior European diplomats urged giving diplomacy with Iran a chance, and a U.S. Deputy Secretary of State stated that there is still a chance for an agreement with Iran.