OPINION:
As usual, Clifford May has produced a lucid and relevant op-ed (“The Iran nuclear deal President Trump wants,” Web May 6). In just a few paragraphs, Mr. May points out the failure of attempts by previous presidents and their willing but naive negotiators to seek agreements that enabled rather than prevented Iran becoming nuclear.
Mr. May also notes that George Shultz pointed out 40 years ago that negotiations are a euphemism for capitulation if the shadow of power is not cast across the bargaining table. Clearly, few presidents since Ronald Reagan have recognized that peace through strength has real meaning, a phrase that President Trump fortunately recognizes.
Iran, which regularly proclaims “Death to Israel” and “Death to America,” cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear warheads, nor can it be allowed to acquire the means to deliver them. The threat of overwhelming retaliation alone, however, might not be sufficient to deter such ultra-religious zealots from undertaking such action should they achieve success. Hence the importance of Mr. Trump’s support for a Golden Dome defense.
We remain in a time of uncertainty as Iran continues to postpone negotiations while continuing activities to achieve nuclear status and America lacks the security that the Golden Dome is designed to provide.
In his otherwise excellent Commentary piece, Mr. May fails to explore how to proceed in this interim period. Too many commentators seem to expect that Israel will take independent action to ensure Iran do not succeed with its nuclear program. The answer, in fact, is to impose crippling financial restrictions on Iran and on its customers and suppliers until it is forced back to negotiations.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville Maryland
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