With Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, the issue of Iran's nuclear program has returned to the forefront of American politics, and old divisions are resurfacing. On Monday, in the *Washington Post*, the National Iranian American Council purchased a full-page advertisement calling on Obama to "say no to a war of choice with Iran."
The letter was signed by several retired generals and former members of U.S. intelligence. They urge the president to "exhaust all diplomatic solutions" before resorting to force. "Military action at this point is not only unnecessary; it would be dangerous for the United States and Israel," the text concludes.
"Israel will remain the master of its own fate," Netanyahu warns
During his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Barack Obama continued to advocate for restraint. "We believe there is still a window for a diplomatic resolution," said the U.S. president. "The bond between our two countries cannot be broken. The United States will always support Israel when it comes to Israel’s security," Obama nonetheless emphasized.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, warned that Israel would be the "master of its own fate" regarding the means used against Iran. "(Israel) must have the ability to defend itself, by itself, against any threat," said the Israeli prime minister.
Obama under pressure
In the United States, Obama is dealing with an election campaign. Several Republican candidates have accused him of not being a "true friend" of Israel. Rick Santorum repeatedly stated that he supports preventive strikes against Tehran in support of Israel, echoing John McCain, who in 2008 sang "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boys.
However, the U.S. president must balance competing priorities as gas prices soar.