Sullivan: America is Aware of the 'Real Danger' from the Islamic Republic

Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, says the U.S. is concerned that the weakening of the Islamic Republic following recent developments in the region could lead to the Iranian government developing nuclear weapons. Sullivan added on Sunday, December 23, that the incoming U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has been made aware of this potential danger. In an interview with CNN, Jake Sullivan stated that recent Israeli attacks on Islamic Republic facilities, including air defense systems and missile production sites, have diminished the Iranian government's 'conventional capabilities.' This senior White House official warned of a 'real danger' regarding the willingness of some within the Iranian government to build nuclear weapons and change its nuclear doctrine. Sullivan emphasized that the U.S. is 'vigilant' about this threat and has consulted with Israel on the matter. Israeli attacks on Islamic Republic allies in the region, including the Palestinian group Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with the subsequent fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, which is backed by the Iranian government, have faced the Islamic Republic's regional influence with successive defeats. Reuters recently reported that in the coming year, the Iranian government and the destruction of its nuclear program will be a focal point for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is expected that Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, will intensify sanctions against the Iranian oil industry after taking office next month. France, Germany, and Britain also issued a joint statement on December 18, expressing deep concern over the recent actions of the Islamic Republic regarding its nuclear program and urging Tehran to halt its nuclear escalation. The Iranian government claims that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes; however, following Donald Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement during the previous U.S. administration, the Islamic Republic expanded its uranium enrichment program. The European Troika has urged the Islamic Republic to stop its nuclear escalation. Conversations with American lawmakers; Tom McClintock: We will witness the collapse of the 'Iranian regime.' Reuters: The Iranian government is Netanyahu's next target. New U.S. sanctions against the 'shadow network' selling Iranian oil. Blinken: Trump can negotiate to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.