Former Mossad Chief Warns Iran Will Pursue Nuclear Weapons With or Without Deal
Former Mossad Director David Barnea warned in New York that Iran will pursue nuclear weapons regardless of any agreement, proposing a total naval blockade and strict sanctions.
Former Mossad Director David Barnea stated at an international conference in New York that the Iranian regime will continuously pursue nuclear weapons with or without a formal agreement as long as it remains in power. Speaking at the event, Barnea proposed imposing a total blockade on the Strait of Hormuz alongside continued economic sanctions as a viable alternative to another full-scale war.
The Nuclear Threat and Alternatives to War
Barnea emphasized that any diplomatic agreement with Tehran would merely reward a terrorist regime determined to develop nuclear capabilities. He argued that the probability of reaching a lasting accord that Iran would genuinely respect is extremely low. Instead, he advocated for tightening economic pressure by cutting off oil export revenues, asserting that the struggling regime would find it exceptionally difficult to survive.
Addressing the option of a military conflict, Barnea acknowledged that a war would be highly effective and accelerate the collapse of the leadership in Tehran, but warned that it would severely disrupt the global energy market and economy. He noted that the Iranian authorities are already attempting to rebuild their nuclear program despite previous blows, viewing it as the ultimate safeguard for their survival.
Leadership and Regional Operations
Praising the leadership of US President Donald Trump, Barnea commended his willingness to bear political costs to confront long-term strategic threats. He also reflected on recent regional campaigns, highlighting the targeted pager operation against Hezbollah as a surgical strike that paralyzed thousands of operatives and shattered the command structure's morale while maintaining strict measures to avoid civilian casualties.
Concluding his remarks, Barnea noted the elimination of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a historic moment of justice. He observed that Hamas has been severely degraded, Hezbollah's power has been significantly diminished, and Iran is now fighting for its own survival, leaving Israel in a position of unprecedented regional strength.
