Bipartisan Policy Center Report Recommends a Credible Threat of Military Force to Stop Iran's Nuclear Development

Former Senator Chuck Robb and General (ret.) Chuck Wald Call for Diplomacy, Tough Sanctions and Visible Preparations for Military Action

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Bipartisan Policy Center's (BPC) National Security Project released its fourth report on Iran's nuclear development urging the United States to immediately adopt a triple-track strategy that simultaneously pursues diplomacy, tough sanctions and credible, visible preparations for military action on the part of the United States or Israel.  According to the report, Meeting the Challenge: Stopping the Clock, co-authored by a 13-member bipartisan task force of prominent experts co-chaired by former Senator Chuck Robb and retired General Charles Wald, the best hope for a peaceful, diplomatic solution is for the U.S. to show its resolve in doing whatever is necessary to prevent a nuclear Iran, including taking military action.

"If we are to gain international support for tougher economic sanctions and convince Iran to accept a diplomatic solution, we must ensure we have a visible, credible military option or that option will become the only alternative outcome," said retired General Chuck Wald.

"We supported President Obama's diplomatic outreach and the stricter sanctions passed by Congress," said former Senator Chuck Robb. "But the time has come for American leaders to openly discuss the potential consequences of this looming crisis and to take initial preparatory steps for military action against Iran as a last resort."

"The president and his administration need to engage the American public in a frank discussion about the risks of a nuclear-capable Iran and exactly what it will take to prevent it," said Dr. Michael Makovsky, the director of the report and BPC's National Security Project. "It is precisely a public recognition of a viable military option that could reduce or even preclude its need," he added. The report also recommends Congress hold hearings to discuss the viability, costs and dangers of military action.  While the co-authors support additional tough sanctions, the report calls on Congress to regularly assess the effectiveness of such sanctions in stopping Iran's nuclear program. Further, the report urges Congress to approve delivery of 200 GBU-31 bunker buster bombs and 3 KC-135 aerial refueling tankers to Israel to help bolster its capability to strike Iran's nuclear installations, if necessary, and help convince the Iranians that a diplomatic solution serves its best interests.

"Our report does not advocate an Israeli military strike," emphasized Senator Robb. "But we believe a more credible Israeli threat can only increase the pressure on Iran to agree to shut down its nuclear weapons program peacefully."

If such pressure on Iran fails, the BPC recommends that the United States impose a quarantine on all refined petroleum imports into Iran. And if that fails, the report asserts that the U.S. military is capable of launching an effective surgical air strike against Iran's nuclear program.

"The risks of inaction are too high," stressed General Wald. Despite 15 years of sanctions, a cyber attack on its nuclear facilities and other setbacks, Iran has doubled its uranium enrichment over the past two years, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran has also tested advanced centrifuges and continued its weaponization program.  "Bold leadership is required," Wald said. "We must stop Iran's nuclear clock by using 'all elements of U.S. power,' as President Obama pledged to do in 2009."

For more information on Meeting the Challenge: Stopping the Clock and the BPC"s Iran Initiative, please visit: www.bipartisanpolicy.org.   

About the Bipartisan Policy Center:
Founded in 2007 by former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue. With projects in multiple issue areas, BPC combines politically balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach.  http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/.

SOURCE Bipartisan Policy Center