In a recent interview, former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, expressed grave concerns over Iran’s ongoing nuclear ambitions and the implications for regional security. His remarks come amid heightened tensions and the potential for military action, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear sites and its support for terrorist groups.

Oren’s comments were prompted by President Biden’s assertion that three primary nuclear sites in Iran had been “obliterated.” While Oren acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding the president’s statement, he emphasized that the crucial question is not whether these sites have been destroyed but whether Iran might attempt to rebuild them elsewhere. This concern is underscored by Iran’s history of evasion and its continued military provocations, including recent attempts to send armed groups into Israel, which were thwarted.

The former ambassador highlighted the importance of maintaining a credible military threat against Iran, urging the U.S. to provide Israel with the necessary support to respond to any violations of cease-fires. He noted that the whereabouts of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, which was reportedly concealed prior to recent conflicts, remain unclear. This uncertainty, coupled with Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and warhead programs, poses a significant risk of Iran emerging as a nuclear power.

Oren also pointed to Iran’s role as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, underlining its willingness to carry out attacks on U.S. soil, including attempted assassinations of high-profile figures. He stressed that addressing Iran’s nuclear program must go hand-in-hand with confronting its sponsorship of terror, which he argued is responsible for a majority of the bloodshed in the Middle East.

Shifting focus to the ongoing hostage situation involving Hamas, Oren addressed the plight of the 50 hostages still held captive, with many families desperate for their loved ones’ safe return. While President Biden has indicated that some hostages may be released soon, the terms of any potential deal remain contentious. Oren pointed out the significant public support in Israel for a resolution but noted that any cease-fire must have clearly defined conditions to prevent Hamas from regaining strength.

The former ambassador expressed skepticism about the possibility of entirely eliminating Hamas as a threat, likening it to the persistent existence of groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. He argued that while it is feasible to limit Hamas’s influence, particularly by removing its leadership and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, the ideological underpinnings of such terrorist organizations would likely remain.

In conclusion, Oren’s insights underline the complexity of the geopolitical landscape, where the interplay between Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its support for terrorism, and the ongoing hostilities with Hamas create a volatile situation. As Israel navigates these challenges, the stakes remain high for both regional stability and international security.