The Jerusalem Post published an article by Lior Akerman headlined "Rouhani and his shy, sweet smile."
"International media were brimming with articles this week about the P5+1 group negotiations with Iran. Some members supported signing an agreement, whereas others were against. But do any of us actually know what the status of the Iranian nuclear capability really is? When the “moderate” Hassan Rouhani was elected president of Iran this past summer, the US administration decided to use this event as an excuse to pursue dialogue with the Iranians, and thereby avoid having to make any decisions regarding military action, which Barack Obama was rather keen on avoiding," the article reads.
"The EU also recognized this as a good opportunity to take the lead in mediation talks with Iran, and even in Israel, some people expressed hope that the new Rouhani regime might be the sign of positive change," the author writes.
"To some degree, the entire world bought Rouhani’s story – that he was democratically elected, and that he was a moderate leader who would lead Iran on a new path and renew relations with western powers. But the world ignored the fact that the president-elect would never be able to stray from the policies set by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and these policies have not changed one iota. Everyone just conveniently forgot that Rouhani had been one of the founding fathers, and risen up through the ranks, of the Iranian Islamic regime," the article reads.
According to Akerman, President Rouhani expertly succeeds in endlessly drawing out discussions, which gives his country time to continue doing whatever it wants.
According to the author a possible Israeli strikle on Iran isn't an option. "At most, Israel could harm parts of their infrastructure, deter them from certain actions, and maybe delay their program. However, the Americans – actually the entire world – would stand against us and then we would be the ones being isolated and suffering from sanctions," he writes. "Rouhani probably even believes that Iran’s image would benefit from an Israeli attack. Then he’d be able to flash his sweet, shy smile at the world while Iran quietly continues carrying out their nuclear plan while the rest of the world is busy berating Israel."
The Washington Post published an article by Anne Gearan and Joby Warrick devoted to the Iranian nuclear deal signed during Geneva talks on Sunday.
"Secretary of State John F. Kerry defended the historic nuclear deal struck with Iran early Sunday, arguing that the United States and its allies believe the agreement ensures that the Islamic republic will either abide by the deal or suffer the consequences," the article reads.
"We have no illusions. We don’t do this on the basis of somebody’s statements to you. We do it on the basis on actions that can be verified,” Secretary Kerry is quoted as saying.
"The agreement, sealed at a 3 a.m. signing ceremony in Geneva’s Palace of Nations, freezes key parts of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for temporary relief on some economic sanctions. It marks the first pause in the country’s nuclear program in more than a decade and makes it virtually impossible for Tehran to build a nuclear weapon without being detected, U.S. officials said."
