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Subscribe to RSSPresident Barack Obama said he's not bluffing about using military action if needed to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.
Just days before what could be the most consequential meeting of U.S. and Israeli leaders in years, aides to President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scrambling to bridge stark differences over what Washington fears could be an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear sites.
With tensions between Israel and Iran running sky high, U.S. officials and military analysts are growing concerned that Israel will launch a multi-phase air and missile attack that could trigger waves of retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran.
That could quickly spiral into a regional conflict that would potentially force the U.S. to intervene to protect its interests.
Israeli voters disapprove of attack on Iran without US help
Further complicating Monday's White House talks is a trust deficit between the two men that has been magnified by mounting pressures of the U.S. presidential campaign. Obama's Republican foes are eager to paint him as too tough on Israel and too soft on Iran.
Willbur Ross, Chairman & CEO of W.L. Ross & Co., weighs in on the GOP presidential race and gives GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney a thumbs up.
Netanyahu is coming to Washington to press Obama to more forcefully declare "red lines" that Iran must not cross in its nuclear program, Israeli officials say, even as speculation mounts that the Jewish state could act militarily on its own in coming months.
"If you don't want me to attack now, I want guarantees," an Israeli official quoted Netanyahu telling top Obama aides who visited Jerusalem last month. "If you're saying, 'we'll take care of you', you're not saying that clearly enough."
US, Britain urge Israel not to attack Iran
The White House has signaled that Obama, who has pledged to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon but has been vague on how far he is prepared to go, will resist pressure for a public policy shift.
Time running out?
Instead, amid growing signs that U.S.-led international sanctions are starting to take a toll on Iran, he will seek to persuade Netanyahu to hold off on any military strike to give those measures and diplomacy time to work, U.S. officials say.
But Israeli officials say they fear that time is running out for an effective Israeli attack as Iran buries its uranium enrichment program deeper underground.
Monday's meeting was supposed to have been a defining moment for the American and Israeli leaders, a chance to present a united front as international pressure on Iran intensifies.
NBC's Bob Windrem joins NewsNation to discuss.
Calls for a tougher approach on Iran are also coming from Republican presidential hopefuls, who see Obama as vulnerable on the issue as he seeks re-election and will seize on any public rift with Netanyahu.
Netanyahu will be pushing not only for Obama's acceptance of whatever action Israel decides to take but for stronger language against Iran that goes beyond the "all options are on the table" mantra on U.S. intentions, Israeli officials said.
Fears grow of Israel-Iran missile shootout
Washington has been working to convince the Israelis that a go-it-alone attack would cause only a temporary setback to Tehran's nuclear ambitions while possibly plunging the already-volatile Middle East into chaos.
And Obama's aides insist that an explicit U.S. military threat would be counterproductive right now, especially due to the potential for further spikes in global oil prices and the risk that Tehran might backtrack on overtures seen as opening the door to renewed nuclear talks with world powers.
At schools, in shops, and on the streets of big cities and small towns, daily life plays out in Iran.
But a source close to the administration's thinking on Iran told Reuters the president might try to placate some of Netanyahu's concerns in private and could also pledge even more sanctions to tighten the vise on Tehran.
The White House has proposed the two leaders issue a joint statement after they meet, but the idea has yet to be firmed up, an Israeli official said. A show of solidarity on certain issues might help keep differences under wraps on others.
An administration official also would not rule out the possibility that Obama could harden some of his rhetoric on Iran when he addresses the largest U.S. pro-Israel lobby in Washington on Sunday, the day before he sees Netanyahu.
Israel wary of Washington
Despite that, U.S. officials doubt that Netanyahu will go as far as providing assurances that Israel will consult Washington -- its biggest source of military assistance -- before launching any strikes on Iran, which has called for the destruction of the Jewish state.
Religious, political hard-liners face off in Iran election
Even if Obama privately reassures Netanyahu that the U.S. has the firepower to deliver a devastating blow to Iran's nuclear program further down the line, the Israelis have made clear they cannot rely on that commitment alone.
"Anyone who thinks that Israel is not going to make its own decision, particularly on an issue they view in existential terms, is kidding themselves," Obama's former Middle East adviser, Dennis Ross, told Reuters.
One line of thinking within the Obama administration is that keeping it in the dark about any Israeli military plans might be best for the United States since any sign of complicity would inflame anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world.
But even without a direct U.S. role, there will be deep suspicion across the Middle East that Israel would not act without a green light from Washington.
Still, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu will pay much heed to Obama's words of caution.
Some Obama aides remain suspicious of Netanyahu's motives. They are convinced that he would prefer to see a Republican take control of the White House in 2013 for fear that Obama's re-election would give him a freer hand to push anew for Israeli concessions to the Palestinians during a second term.
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Reuters and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.
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America is being manhandled into another war by some of the very same characters and ideology that git us into two failed invasion last decade. We are still facing the consequences of Afghanistan, with more troop deaths and $2 billion wasted every week. America cannot afford another mass infusion of taxpayer money into an international adventure. Gas prices are already soaring because of the saber-rattling chicken hawks. What do they think will happen once we nuke Tehran? This is disgusting... http://www.sunstateactivist.org
Is Obama with Israel or against Israel?He promised no nukes for Iran,is that another lie?Why does he not realize that you can not reason with Evil(like Iranian islamic radicals)? Obama is suppose to be an Educated person so why is he so lacking in common sense?
I thought everybody knew this by now. Obama is an eloquent speaker and nothing more. He is hardly qualified to be president of the U.S. This is what liberal affirmative action has gotten us. The demoncrats sold America a pig in a poke. NOBAMA 2012
The pig in a poke is back in Texas!
If you cannot reason with evil, there is no sense in talking to Netanyahu, the personnification of evil. No where in the job description for the President of the United States, does it say he must be a friend to Israel.
Why would any prseident be a friend to the country that helped make 9/11 possible, by rigging the 2 WTC towers and Bldg 7 with charges to bring them down in a controlled demoltion?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw-jzCfa4eQ&feature=player_embedded# - long one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=972ETepp4GI&feature=fvwrel - short one Watch Bldg 7 come down and then try to say it was not a controlled demolition. All 3 towers fell in the exact same manner. It cannot happen.
Iran Attack Plan? What the hell are you talking about? I bet the author of this article would be a little hesitant to use such bullsh% language if they knew their family would be sent off to die in Iran. Hey MSM and Israel, go fight your own imagined boogeymen. Stop trying to drag everyone else through the mud.
Hmmm.... strange that there is no report that the Saudis' are just as eager to see Iran stopped from developing nukes. It's not just Israel and the U.S. If there is going to be an attack on Iran, bring Saudi Arabia into it also. I don't know about the rest of the U.A.E. but probably Dubai doesn't want to see instability so close to it's shores.
If you don't get approval and cooperation from some of the Arab major players in the region, an attack on Iran by Israel or Israel and the U.S. would be a mistake.
Considering 15 of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 (and Bin Laden himself) were Saudi... I really dont give a crap what Saudi thinks, nor do I understand our support of them. When they allow women to vote and stop stoning women for driving, maybe their opinion will matter.
Why is it that Israel thinks we are obligated to cover its a$$? Israel is like a nasty little kid who stands out in the front yard throwing rocks and insults at the neighbor kids. Then when one of them objects and tries to defend himself, the nasty little kid comes running into the house to get his big brother to come out and defend him.
Nice simile. It's true.
Really, How about all the times in the past that neighbor kid and his friends invaded the front yard, tried to capture the house, and kill everyone in it?
Pres. Obama and his Administration have not been and are not the friends of the Israeli government or people. Israel must continue to defend itself, while trying to regain the US governments support.
As an American taxpayer, neither am I. We give israel over $3 Billion a year and get nothing in return except whining and grief. Israel is like a spoiled little brat. Enough.
We get more for that money than we do for the billions we give away around the world to places like Mexico, Africa, North Korea, etc.
You mean while trying to regain control of the U.S. government.
Obama supports Israel. Supporting doesn't not mean doing it's bidding, it does not mean being controlled, it does not mean doing whats not in your own nation's best interest.
Greet Netanyahu with a good hard slap across his face
Then say that's for saying one thing and doing the opposite the next day and making me look like a fool. As usual, Israel will come over here and boss both parties in Washington around and make more demands.
More biting of the hand that feeds you.
If you were surrounded on 3 sides buy millions of people who want you dead you might take a tougher position yourself. Then again maybe you're just a big p*&sy.
Trooper hillbilly. Are you one of those country billy tough guys?? You weasel. No, looked at your pic and read your ugly picture and story. Boy, I feel sorry for you.
Nope, you're wrong again. I wasn't born in the south; I'm not a hillbilly; I might be considered tough by some since I served in 2 wars as a Recon Specialist, but I don't count myself as a tough guy, just a survivor. As for my picture being ugly, well I did have devastating good looks when I was younger, but over 2 decades in the military wears on a man, and we all must age. I however am not ashamed of my face. I wonder how ashamed you must be of yours to hide your image from the rest of us.
Bibi should just tell Hussein Zero, that he is goiing to what is best for Israel and if the Muslim Sympathizing Hussein "Less Than Zero" doesn't like it, to sing another song, have another party or go on another vacation, but stay the Hell out of Israel's Way. GOD Bless, Guide and Protect Israel!
From Israel to Barrack Obama,
You are pro Muslim, we are not.
You are a f*&%ing coward, we are not.
You appologize for your country's existance and actions, we do not.
You would play into Iran's hands buy talking and giving them time to finish their bomb, we will not.
If you won't lead, then follow, if you won't follow then get the hell out of the way.
Of course the conversation may be a little more politically correct, but then again the doors will be closed.
From the rest of the world to Tom,
You are a hateful, fear mongering idiot, we are not
You are unpatriotic, we are not
Your ego is only matched by Donald Trumps, ours is not
Your ignorance is laughable... go drink some more beer shoot some more guns and keep preaching the hate. It has a lot of entertainment value to the rest of the world.
Bill, each of my bullet statements referenced something Barrack Obama had said or done.
Your retarded comments come from you own imagination of who I might be. Fact is you don't know anymore about me than you do about the culture of the Middle East. I'm guessing here that you have never spent any time there and observed the Arab culture first hand. Seen how they treat their women and children; seen what they do to members of other tribes they disagree with. They view talking and negotiations as a sign of weakness and the only thing they respect other than Allah is force used decisively.
You need to stop watching the Rachael Maddow, and Ed show, and take you sissy ass to the place you think you are fit to comment about. I'll bet you are one of those cowards that votes, then runs and hides while better people than you protect and defend your right to be an idiot.
Well put TOM.
Let them kill each other, we don't need to get involved in another war. More blood, more money and only the rich get richer! ENOUGH!
Agreed! We don't need to stick our noses into this one. How many past Presidents have handed out commemorative pens from the signings of how many peace treaties, and Camp David accords for the Middle East. Talk is useless when dealing with ancient hatreds that go back thousands of years. They are going to fight wether we like it or not. We need to get out of their way and take cover.
Right on Trooper Tom, I like your attitude!
There can never be a lasting peace between Israel and radical Islam until one side or the other is totally defeated. If you think about it this is also true in other conflicts. The Civil War was resolved by unconditional surrender, WW I and WW II were the same. You may not like Israel but they are a damn sight better than any of the countries where radical Islam keeps their people living in the stone age while stoning any woman who strays from Islamic doctrine. Turn Israel loose and stop placating these hate filled zealots.
There's a PLAN already? Holy crap...
The article should have been titled - "Israeli prime minister comes to America to dictate American foreign policy and if it doesn't then AIPAC will slap them into line."
That this: "Anyone who thinks that Israel is not going to make its own decision, particularly on an issue they view in existential terms, is kidding themselves," Obama's former Middle East adviser, Dennis Ross, told Reuters." is true is amazing. That billions are sent each year to Israel by the US and yet they have total leverage over the US says all there is to say. America is clearly, from Israel's perspective, its female dog.
It's an election year, so the polls and election strategy will dictate policy.
Wheres the story about barry paying the terrorists in Egypt $5 million to get the hostages back?...never before have we given in to hostage takers until we got this anti American as president...the fool just put a price tag on every American service person/civilian in the middle east...whats next?...$50 million, $100 million?...barack obama...the biggest loser in American history.
I believe it was bond money (except for the part where they hadn't been arrested, charged with a crime or been before a judge), so it's all legit /sarc.
More war would be the best for everyone ....... go for it ......... ha ha ha ha ha ..... suckers.
This is a very simple issue--Iran is close to having nukes and Iran has made clear its intentions of "annihilating" Israel. No-brainer--Israel must do something to survive, period. Duh.
And the threat does not stop with Israel. The Iranian leadership are a bunch of religious zealots hell bent on dominating others with their religious views. That includes US. And given their actions so far and their close ties to international terrorist groups, we can not afford to take the risk of waking up one morning, or in the middle of the night, to find out that one or more of our cities have been the target of a nuclear terrorist attack. Shut them down now. If you are worried about the cost and consequences of doing so, just think how much greater the cost and consequences will be if we allow them to build nukes. As Mr. Obama himself has said, repeatedly, if we allow terrorist to get their hands on nuclear weapons there can be no doubt the will use them. The likelihood of that happening will increase exponentially if Iran is allowed to construct nuclear weapons.
May God bless Israel.
...and crown her good with brotherhood...wait, wait...that's America. God bless Americaaa...
Israel is the closest thing to a working democracy in the Middle East. Isn't that the great American dream to establish democracy in Iraq, Afghanistan and the other countries we have tried to help? So we should continue to back them totally. Cheer up people...they have gas and oil that is just beginning to become available for use. Maybe our friendship with them will turn out at the gas pump! Then everyone would shut their political mouths and take a long driving vacation. As long as helping another country contributes to our American consumerism and materialism, we'd be happy as clams!
Again MSNBC has an Article Title all WRONG. In reality, Obama is seeking "harmony" with the current Despotic Regime in Iran on its pursuit of the elimination of those who happen to be Jewish.
What good will attacking Iran do? Sounds like it may put off their nuke program for some years but they will eventually get it. I hope these leaders can see beyond the end of their noses.
If an attack would stop Iran and prevent them from continuously starting the nuke proram up again then ok but from what I read they are going to pursue it nonstop no matter what.
While sanctions will do nothing and Obama will not commit to taking military action at a point in time when the cost of doing so, in lives and resources, would be less than waiting until Iran builds up its defenses and counter attack strategy or worse, they construct actual weapons. What is the better course of action? Set back their program for a significant period of time and continue to try and convince them to abandon it altogether or continue with useless sanctions that will not set back their program and allow Iran to build nuclear weapons, prepare further to repel preemptive strikes and plan counter strikes?
Seems to me that the best course of action is to agree to coordinate our efforts with Israel to to get the attack done. Putting those pieces in place/play now in a rapid fashion will send a clear signal to the Iranian leadership that we mean business. They will see the mechanism being put in place. And if that doesn't convince them to stop, nothing will short of a strike.
Wake up Mr. Obama and stick by your repeated promise to the American people that you will exercise all options to stop Iran from building nukes. Our national security is at stake. No more games of saying one thing and doing the opposite!!!
KingK
The U.S. home land is NOT AT RISK from IRANIAN ATTACK. They do not have I.C.B.M.s that can reach us. The fight is about preventing a nuclear war. If one country launches than the rest will follow ( good by world ). The situation is far more complicated then we are being told. Cooler heads must step up and prevail . Wright now all we have is two hard liners at logger heads with each other. This fire must be put out. China , Russia and the U.S. must come together to put and end to this mess. Together it can be done peacefully . If left to the hot heads then it is good by world.
bob
This is where you are wrong. They don't need ICBMs. In fact, Iran has been working on a two point implosion technology that will allow them to put nuke warheads on smaller missiles, perhaps even a drone. Plus you can place a nuke in a cargo ship and detonate it off the coast of San Fransisco, NY City , Miami, etc.... That is the reality. The old days of needing ICBMs are fading rapidly into the past.
I have no problem with trying to resolve this matter diplomatically. But, unfortunately, that has not worked for a number of years now. Including the last several years where SOS Clinton has been put on a wild goose chase by Mr. Obama to try and negotiate a peaceful resolution. Which the Iranian leadership has simply use as a stall tactic while continuing to advance their program. China and Russia have done nothing to convince Iran to stop. In fact, one can say that they have actually encouraged Iran.
Which leads us all to the current situation. The time frame for action is rapidly running out.To use a football analogy, you don't attempt to use a prevent defense when the ball is one the two yard line.
Hmm sounds likeww3sgoing downin 2012 the mayans where right :/
Any USA support of Israel on attacking Iran is pure stupidity!
Israel has ignored all USA efforts to facilitate a USA effort to negotiate peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Instead Israel has accelerated the confiscation of Palestinian land. Israel creates the very conditions that propagate violence in the Middle East.
Obama is just to trying appeal to Jewish Americans so they will vote for him in the fall. He could less about Israel, he has proved it many times. Like with the requirement Israel return to the 1967 borders and his support of a Palestinian state. Woe to the nation who turns its back on the Jewish people. Bad things happen to those who do. Remember the Egyptian Empire? the Roman Empire? the Third Reich? the British Empire? the Soviet Union? All have fallen because they have either attacked Israel, persecuted the Jewish people, or failed to support Israel.
Join Christian United for Israel and support God's chosen people.
I hope that was sarcasm
You forget to mention the WORST THINGS that happened to GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE, including the gassed SIX MILLION.
HO