U.S. Warns Israel on Strike

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said in an interview published Saturday that new economic sanctions aimed at stopping Iran’s contentious nuclear program appeared to be having an effect and, if combined with a threat of military action led by the United States, could succeed.


For the first time, I see Iran wobble,” he told the newspaper The Australian in Jerusalem, particularly citing sanctions on the central bank. He said if “coupled with a clear statement from the international community led by the U.S. to act militarily to stop Iran if the sanctions fail, Iran may consider not going through the pain. There’s no point in gritting your teeth if you’re going to be stopped anyway.


Israel has been pressing for tough sanctions against Iran’s oil and banking industry, saying they were the only diplomatic measures that could force it to stop its nuclear program, which Israel and the West suspect is a cover for developing a nuclear weapon despite Iran’s denials.




Recent comments by the Israelis show they understand how tough the sanctions we've put in place are and are giving them time to work," said a senior Obama administration official.


The U.S. military is preparing for a number of possible responses to an Israeli strike, including assaults by pro-Iranian Shiite militias in Iraq against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, according to U.S. officials.


The U.S. believes its embassy and other diplomatic outposts in Iraq are more vulnerable following the withdrawal of U.S. forces last month. Up to 15,000 U.S. diplomats, federal employees and contractors are expected to remain in Iraq.


In large measure to deter Iran, the U.S. has 15,000 troops in Kuwait, and has moved a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf area.


It has also been pre-positioning aircraft and other military equipment, officials say. Arms transfers to key allies in the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have been fast-tracked as a further deterrent, officials say.


Israeli officials said Mr. Netanyahu's government continues to closely coordinate with the U.S. in responding to the Iranian threat. "Israel believes that heightened sanctions combined with a credible military threat may dissuade the Iranian regime from developing nuclear capabilities," Mr. Oren said.


Mr. Panetta and other top officials have privately sought assurances from Israeli leaders in recent weeks that they won't take military action against Iran. But the Israeli response has been noncommittal, U.S. officials said.


U.S. officials briefed on the military's planning said concern has mounted over the past two years that Israel may strike Iran. But rising tensions with Iran and recent changes at Iranian nuclear sites have ratcheted up the level of U.S. alarm.


"Our concern is heightened," a senior U.S. military official said of the probability of an Israeli strike over U.S. objections.