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Time running out to fix Iran nuclear deal, Israel envoy tells UN

“It is the last chance to correct the mistakes of the past and recognize that we all must set off on a new path aimed at reining in Iran’s reckless behavior,” Ambassador Danon told the UNSC.  

By: World Israel News Staff

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon warned the UN Security Council (UNSC) that time is running out to to fix the Iran nuclear deal, urging its members to “not miss this opportunity.”

Speaking at a UNSC meeting in New York on Wednesday, Danon cautioned the permanent members of the Council about the upcoming deadline regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed in 2015 with Iran to address its nuclear aspirations.

“We are now at a critical juncture. It is the last chance to correct the mistakes of the past and recognize that we all must set off on a new path aimed at reining in Iran’s reckless behavior,” Danon told the UNSC.

US President Donald Trump Trump has said he will not renew US waivers for sanctions on Iran when they next expire on May 12 unless European countries agree to strengthen the deal signficantly to prevent advanced nuclear tests. The president is also seeking tougher inspections and penalties for Iranian missile testing.

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One of the main issues that critics of the deal wish to address is the removal of several clauses that allow Iran to gradually resume weapons-grade nuclear development starting in 2024.

Iran’s development of long-range missiles that can carry nuclear warheads is also a point of concern.

“To the permanent members of this Council I have a simple message: do not miss this opportunity.  In forty-five days the clock will run out and the rules of the game will change,” Danon cautioned.

“You now have a choice to make. Either choose to work with the Americans and support their genuine efforts to make the Middle East a safer place – or choose Iran and enable a dangerous regime. I urge you to make the right choice,” he concluded.

Despite the nuclear deal with Iran, Israel still views Iran as an existential threat, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly called on Trump and the other signatory states to “fix or nix ” the agreement.