Netanyahu Calls for ‘Clear Red Line’ for Iran Nuclear Program

Remarks Seen as Rebuke of Obama

Israeli Prime Minister today called on world powers to set a “clear red line” for Iran’s nuclear program to prevent the country from obtaining nuclear weapons.

 

"I believe the truth must be stated: The international community is not placing a clear red line for Iran and Iran does not see international resolve to stop its nuclear program," Netanyahu told his cabinet. "Unless Iran sees this clear red line and this clear resolve it will not stop moving forward with its nuclear program, and Iran must not have nuclear weapons," he added. (Reuters, 2 September)

Israel's popular YNet news website described the prime minister's latest comments as a stinging rebuke of President Obama. Israeli officials have also voiced disappointment over recent remarks by the U.S. chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, signaling reluctance to intervene on Israel's behalf if it attacked Iran. (Reuters)

Gen. Dempsey had told the Guardian on Friday that he would not be complicit if Israel should attack Iran. Netanyahu is seeking a firm pledge of U.S. military action if Iran did not back down on uranium enrichment. Such a promise could dissuade Israel from attacking Iran alone, Israeli officials told Reuters.

Iran Cancels Ceremony to Honor Oscar-Winning Director

Iranian authorities today cancelled a ceremony in honor of Asghar Farhadi who won an Oscar for best foreign language film for "A Separation." There were no official explanations as to why the ceremony was canceled. Earlier this week, large number of Iranians greeted Farhadi upon his arrival at Tehran’s airport. The authorities might have expected an outpouring of public support for Farhadi and the stars of A Separation during or after the ceremony.

File Photo: Asghar Farhadi holding the Oscar for best foreign language film for "A Separation" during the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood. AP Photo/Joel Ryan.

A Separation Wins the Oscar

A Separation, the universally acclaimed Iranian film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi and starring Leila Hatami and Peyman Moaadi, received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. A Separation becomes the first Iranian film to win an Oscar.

A Separation has also received the Golden Bear for Best Film and the Silver Bears for Best Actress and Best Actor at Berlin Film Festival as well as the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

'Nader and Simin, A Separation' Wins Golden Globe

Iran’s “Nader and Simin, a Separation” won the award for best foreign language film at the Golden Globe.

Photo: "A Separation" director Asghar Farhadi (l.) and actor-screenwriter Peyman Moaadi at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. 15 January 2012.