Interview by Peter Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
87-year old Dani Lubrani is called “a master of secrets” in Israel. For more than 60 years he was a secret advisor to all Prime Ministers of the country from David Ben-Gurion; and he continues his duties today. He has dealt with issues in the Islamic world and Africa. In 1971-1978 Lubrani was an ambassador of Israel in Iran and was a close friend of the last Iranian shah Rezi Pehlevi and his family. Lubrani agreed to give his first interview to journalists not long ago.
- Mr. Lubrani, can the creation of a nuclear bomb in Iran be prevented?
- Iran will get a nuclear bomb, whether you like it or not. Not only Tehran, but almost every Iranian citizen is sure that their country has the right to nuclear weapons. “If India, Pakistan, and Israel have such a weapon, why cannot we have it?” the Iranians think. The question is who will hold their hand on “the nuclear button” in Iran. I think we should do our best for them not to be Islamic fundamentalists.
- Is it possible?
- It is. It is difficult, it can be considered an attempt to interfere with internal affairs of the country, but it is possible, as there are sound forces in Iran, which lack support, and the Iranian people want changes. At least they wanted it before signing the recent Geneva accords. The current Iranian regime lost legitimacy in a large extent for a significant part of the population; and economic difficulties boosted the feeling. That’s why sanctions against Iran had such influence. It’s a pity that Americans and Europeans didn’t show wisdom and firmness at the negotiations. The accords could be much more beneficial.
- Do you think Netanyahu is right to confront the USA because of Iran?
- I think he takes right steps in the direction. We shouldn’t be afraid of a conflict with America. Ben-Gurion said that politics cannot be based on fear.
- What do you think about a possible strike on the Iranian nuclear facilities?
- I am absolutely against it. The option should be used only at the last critical moment. And we shouldn’t threaten Iran by it.
- What is your attitude toward Shimon Peres’s statement about his readiness to meet Rouhani?
- You know in his age he can say whatever he likes.
- So, what was the mistake of Americans and Europeans at the negotiations?
- From the very beginning they had taken a very flexible, almost capitulation position. There was no doubt the West got no points in the round at all. The Iranians won six months and $7 billion; and both these achievements they use to develop a nuclear bomb. The problem is that the Iranians are much more skilful in negotiating than the Americans. They are smarter; they know the West better than the West knows Iran; they are masters of ambiguous wordings. The Iranians quickly realized that they could achieve a lot in talks with the Americans, and it will enable the current authorities to stay in power. They won it, when achieved that Mrs. Ashton to negotiate with them – she is a stupid woman who can do nothing but smile.
