'No Nukes' by Vincent

It’s time we talk in realities for just a moment.  The concept of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons is not just a hypothetical discussion anymore, it’s a looming threat that, if realized, would unleash apocalyptic destruction across the middle east and far beyond.  If Iran’s dreams of nuclear arms are realized, two disastrous consequences are effectively guaranteed.  First, there’s the existential threat to Israel, and second, is the arms race that would ensue, and plummet the entire middle east into nuclear proliferation mode.
 
The middle east is riddled with tension, sectarian conflicts, authoritarian governments, and endless cycles of violence.  The mere thought of Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities would be a game changer and destabilize the entire globe.  The Iranian leadership has proven time and time again that they are undeterred by international pressure; so, don’t expect them to act any different if they were to possess weapons of mass destruction.
 
The dire implications of a nuclear attack on Israel would ripple far beyond the two adversaries.  The internationally recognized doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction would play out, with a dangerous twist.  Regional actors, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey would scramble for their own nuclear programs as a defensive reaction.  In a situation such as this, the questions aren’t if a nuclear exchange would happen, but rather when.
 
Saudi Arabia has already indicated that it would consider developing its own nuclear weapons should Iran cross the nuclear threshold.  Turkey, which has flirted with the idea of nuclear capability in the past, would certainly follow suit, despite its commitment to non-proliferation treaties.  The narrative becomes abundantly clear once the genie is out of the bottle, it then becomes impossible to put it back.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has been openly hostile towards Israel since its inception.  The Iranian regime’s rhetoric has often included calls for the destruction and annihilation of Israel; and with a nuclear arsenal at its disposal, this wouldn’t be mere bluster anymore; it would become an achievable goal.  With such power at its fingertips, Iran would feel emboldened to launch a catastrophic strike against the Jewish state, believing that it could operate with impunity under a nuclear umbrella. 
 
The notion that Iran should be permitted to develop nuclear capabilities at any level is utterly preposterous.  The ramifications would be nothing short of apocalyptic; with Israelis paying the ultimate price.  Those sitting on the sidelines trying to play referee should understand the dynamics that currently exist before inviting capitulation to the table.
 
Any soft stance towards Iran’s nuclear ambitions is tantamount to inviting a suicide bomber into your home, while claiming to have sufficient locks on the front door.  We are at a crossroads and it’s time for world leaders to take a hardline stance.  The window of containment has officially closed, but the opportunity for eradication has presented itself, thanks to the IDF.  
 
The stakes could not be higher.  It’s time to stop indulging in fantasies about negotiations and diplomacy.  The free worlds message must be clear and deliberate, Iran must never possess or have access to nuclear weapons or its technology.  Sanctions are meaningless if unenforced, diplomatic efforts have been worthless and deceitful, therefore military options must be at the forefront for the sake of humanity. 
 
It's worth noting, this isn’t just a regional issue, it’s a matter of global security.  If we don’t act decisively now, we risk facing a reality where Iran’s nuclear ambitions lead us directly into a storm of continued conflict and unimaginable destruction.   

Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.