Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Michael Leiter confirmed Sunday that Washington continues diplomatic efforts with Tehran, even as a two-week ceasefire nears its midpoint. He underscored Israel's position on Iran's nuclear program and its ballistic missile capabilities, stating that such pursuits pose a fundamental security risk. "If we can conclude this crisis with Iran... without going back into kinetic activity, it would probably be best for everyone," Leiter told CBS News.
The current diplomatic push, initiated by the U.S. President, involves direct engagement with Iranian officials. This includes a recent face-to-face meeting where the U.S.
Vice President sat opposite Qalibaf, an Iranian official described by Leiter as directly responsible for the murder of his own people in January. The two-week period allocated for these discussions is now concluding its first week, leaving another seven days for potential breakthroughs. Israeli officials maintain a cautious stance, acknowledging the opportunity for talks while expressing skepticism regarding the Iranian regime's intentions.
Leiter articulated Israel's firm position on Iran's nuclear program, advocating for a complete cessation of uranium enrichment. While some international discussions have explored the possibility of Iran maintaining a civilian nuclear program for medical purposes, the ambassador asserted that such programs do not necessitate enrichment. He pointed out that 57 countries operate civilian nuclear facilities without engaging in enrichment activities.
Leiter further argued that Iran's construction of production plants deep underground indicates a non-civilian intent, suggesting the regime has something to conceal. He cited previous intelligence indicating Iran had achieved 60% enrichment, positioning it within weeks of weapons-grade material. Beyond nuclear development, the issue of ballistic missiles constitutes another significant concern for Israel.
Leiter claimed Iran has previously misrepresented the range of its missiles, referencing a specific incident involving firing on Diego Garcia. He stated that while Iran had promised a limit of 2,000 kilometers, evidence demonstrated a capability of 4,000 kilometers, a distance that could be extended to 8,000 kilometers, potentially reaching U.S. cities like Chicago or New Jersey. intelligence estimates a nine-year timeline for Iran to develop such long-range capabilities, though Israeli intelligence, according to Leiter, suggests a shorter period, having consistently offered accurate assessments on this matter. Another critical element of regional instability involves Iran's network of proxy forces.
Leiter specifically identified Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and a direct proxy of Iran, rather than solely a political party in Lebanon. He stressed that a resolution to the conflict requires a complete severing of ties between Iran and these groups, which he accused of spreading violence across the Middle East. This perspective highlights a divergence in assessments regarding the conflict's conclusion; while U.S.
President Trump has declared the war "won," Israel's Prime Minister has indicated that "the work is not yet complete," pointing to the ongoing threat posed by these proxies. Recent reporting by The New York Times detailed a February 11 meeting where the Israeli Prime Minister allegedly proposed bombing Iran to President Trump. The report suggested a plan to eliminate the Ayatollah, cripple Iran's military capacity, and instigate a popular uprising leading to regime change.
Ambassador Leiter, who was present at that meeting, disputed the accuracy of this account, calling it an "interesting narrative, but not accurate." He clarified that Israeli intelligence, specifically the Mossad, had presented possibilities regarding popular uprisings—as observed in January—rather than guaranteeing outcomes, emphasizing that military operations are not an exact science. Leiter also refuted the claim that Mossad believed Iran would be unable to block the Strait of Hormuz following such an action. Against this backdrop of broader regional tensions, specific diplomatic efforts are underway concerning Lebanon.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel's actions against Hezbollah are viewed as a consequence for Iran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, talks are scheduled in Washington involving U.S., Israeli, and Lebanese ambassadors, though Hezbollah will not participate. Leiter emphasized Israel's willingness to negotiate peace with Lebanon, stating that an agreement could be reached in "two months, three months" if Hezbollah were removed from the equation.
He recounted a positive initial conference call involving himself, the Lebanese ambassador, the U.S. Ambassador to Beirut, and State Department official Mike Needham, which underscored this potential. However, military actions continue in parallel with diplomatic discussions.
Recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday reportedly killed more than 350 people, including a third who were women, children, and the elderly, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Vice President indicated Israel had agreed to exercise restraint with these strikes, and President Trump mentioned the Israeli Prime Minister would "low-key it." Leiter declined to discuss specific operational details, stating they are not for public television, but affirmed Israel's alignment with the U.S. President's efforts.
He disputed the Lebanese government's casualty figures, likening them to data released by Hamas in Gaza, and maintained that Israeli operations target "terrorist infrastructure." He accused Hezbollah and Hamas of intentionally situating their operational centers among civilians, a practice he labeled a "crime against humanity."
Why It Matters: The delicate balance between diplomacy and military action in the Middle East carries significant implications for global stability. The outcome of current ceasefire talks will determine whether a path to de-escalation can be forged or if further military confrontation becomes inevitable. The ongoing debate over Iran's nuclear program, its ballistic missile capabilities, and the role of its proxies directly influences regional security, impacting trade routes, energy prices, and the lives of millions.
These developments will shape future U.S. foreign policy and the security posture of key allies in the region. Key Takeaways: - U.S. and Israel remain aligned on diplomatic and military efforts concerning Iran's regional influence. - Disagreement persists on Iran's nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities, with Israel advocating for zero uranium enrichment. - Israel views Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and disputes Lebanese casualty figures from recent airstrikes. - Upcoming talks between U.S., Israel, and Lebanon aim to address regional stability without Hezbollah's direct involvement. The conclusion of the two-week ceasefire period will be a critical juncture, indicating whether the current diplomatic window has yielded progress or if a return to increased "kinetic activity" is imminent.
Observers will also closely monitor the outcome of Tuesday's trilateral talks in Washington involving U.S., Israeli, and Lebanese officials, as these discussions could shape the immediate security landscape along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Key Takeaways
— - U.S. and Israel remain aligned on diplomatic and military efforts concerning Iran's regional influence.
— - Disagreement persists on Iran's nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities, with Israel advocating for zero uranium enrichment.
— - Israel views Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and disputes Lebanese casualty figures from recent airstrikes.
— - Upcoming talks between U.S., Israel, and Lebanon aim to address regional stability without Hezbollah's direct involvement.
Source: CBS News
