Everyone just calm down

Iran has shown determination and resolve to pursue its right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful domestic purposes. 

Sanctions will not stop it in this pursuit. While Iran has been badly hurt by the sanctions, so has the rest of the world due to rapidly increasing crude prices and political tensions approaching breaking point. And break they will should Israel be foolish enough to carry out its rumoured intention of a unilateral military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Things will only get worse when the UK and the Europeans will be unable to purchase Iranian crude from July.

Is it not time for some alternative thinking to address this serious issue? The US and its allies should cut out the gunboat diplomacy, get the warships out of the Gulf, stop the hawk-like rhetoric and reiterate that Iran is within its rights to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, just as any country is. Surely it is not beyond the capability of international inspectors to oversee Iran’s nuclear facilities to ensure only peaceful uses are proceeding. Remember Iraq and think what different outcome would have ensued had the inspectors been allowed to complete their mission. 

The US has opined that Iran is at least two years away from producing a nuclear weapon if, indeed, they so choose. So why not tell Iran that all sanctions will be completely removed immediately they permit a comprehensive team of qualified inspectors unfettered access to witness operations at all its nuclear sites? If Iran cannot see the benefit from this type of cooperation then perhaps it deserves the hardship of sanctions. Tell Iran that the US and its allies are serious about talking with no pre-conditions and want to start talks today. A diplomatic solution is the only way forward if we are not to face another horrendous catastrophe as happened in Iraq.

As a matter of urgency, the US should also make it abundantly clear to Israel that should it make a unilateral military strike on Iran, the US will totally cut off all its financial and military aid. This is obviously something it would never do, but clearly it is something it absolutely should do in the event of unjustified military action.

These arguments will, of course, be torn to shreds by those who see Iran as a country hell bent on terrorist activities aimed at the West, as well as Israel and its supporters who prematurely jump to conclusions to suit their own agenda before hard evidence proves the Iranian government is responsible for the recent bombs in India and Bangkok rather than a few half-witted individuals with Iranian documentation. For those who think otherwise, one can only hope that common sense will prevail. But I am not holding my breath. Common sense is in too short supply everywhere these days.

Chris Kaye

Chonburi