Amid tensions in the Middle East, Tel Aviv is trying to win US support in the event of a conflict. In an interview with Real Politics last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Israel could count on diplomatic, judicial and military aid for any war with Iran, no matter how long. Following are excerpts from the dialogue with the US Secretary of State:
Tel Aviv's former ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, has spoken of the fact that Israel is on the threshold of war with Iran, and that America's tough policy and Iran's growing recklessness put them at risk. He said Israel would need a diplomatic and legal iron dome in the Security Council and the International Criminal Court if war broke out. Will Israel get that iron and legal dome?
Well, we were very clear about some of the things I just mentioned. First, with regard to Iran, we have changed US policy there. The former administration of Iran has ensured a path to nuclear weapons systems, allowed it to spread terrorism, and allowed its missile system to evolve. President Donald Trump has instructed us to do exactly the opposite, depriving them of the resources by which they can create risks not only for the United States and its citizens, but also for Israel, and we have succeeded in doing so. Section. We always support their efforts to do so, so in terms of ensuring that Israel is treated fairly at the United Nations, Israel can certainly rely on the United States.
I know it's not your job, because it's your Pentagon colleagues. Will the Israelis get a supply of ammunition, as happened during the Nixon era, which sent supplies during the October 1973 war? Do you think President Trump will resupply them with the ammunition they need?
We are always in talks about that, making sure that we have the right systems capabilities for their needs. I have every confidence that this president, who moved our embassy to Jerusalem, and who explained Israel's rights in the Golan Heights, will do everything necessary to ensure the protection of our great partner (Israel).
Has the strengthening of economic sanctions on Iran played a role in transforming its behavior in the region?
Tehran and its proxies continue to provoke terrorist acts and unrest in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, with devastating humanitarian consequences. Since the United States announced its intention to reduce Iranian oil purchases to zero by April, Iranian officials have been waging a diplomatic campaign of blackmail.
Iranian officials continue to campaign
Diplomacy is like blackmail.