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'Iranians have no problem lying': Israeli expert on Tehran's nuclear program says amid coming deal

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources New plan
  • An Israeli expert expressed skepticism about the US-Iran deal, particularly regarding Iran's history of deception.
  • The expert noted that key issues like Iran's nuclear program, missiles, and proxies appear unaddressed in the preliminary agreement.
  • Concerns remain about the lack of oversight and the potential for Iran to pursue nuclear weapons despite the deal.

An Israeli expert on Iran's nuclear program has voiced significant skepticism regarding the preliminary agreement reached between the US and Iran, citing Tehran's historical tendency towards deception. Avner Vilan, a former senior security official, questioned the true substance of the deal, suggesting it might be a general statement of intent in exchange for immediate sanctions relief.

The Iranians have no problem lying.

— Avner VilanAvner Vilan, an expert on Iran's nuclear program, expressed skepticism about the reliability of the Iranian regime.

Vilan highlighted that crucial aspects such as Iran's nuclear program, missile development, and support for regional proxies do not appear to be included in the current agreement. He expressed uncertainty about what the final deal will entail, particularly concerning Iran's enrichment activities, and noted the importance of reviewing the actual signed text. Vilan suggested that if the published draft reflects the signed agreement, it could be a superficial accord.

The nuclear issue, they did not deal with it. Regime change, obviously not. Missiles, obviously not. The proxies, obviously not. They are not included in the agreement.

— Avner VilanAvner Vilan detailed the key issues he believes were omitted from the US-Iran agreement.

Regarding the benefits Iran stands to gain, Vilan explained that the lifting of sanctions on oil exports would be an immediate and significant financial relief for the country, which has suffered substantial losses due to the war and subsequent sanctions. He also mentioned the potential opening of the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to fighting as part of the understanding. However, Vilan stressed that the "devil is going to be in the details," which he feels are currently being "dodged."

The devil is going to be in the details, and those details are being dodged right now.

— Avner VilanAvner Vilan highlighted concerns about the lack of clarity and specific details in the US-Iran deal.

The expert raised particular concern about the lack of specific provisions for supervision and oversight within the agreement. He warned that Iran's potential pursuit of nuclear weapons might not follow conventional paths, and trusting the Iranian regime to adhere to its commitments without robust verification mechanisms is problematic, given their past behavior. Vilan concluded that the agreement, as currently understood, relies heavily on trusting Iran's word, a trust that has been repeatedly undermined.

I am not sure that Iran's fast track right now toward a bomb will go through known sites. There is not a single word in the agreement about supervision.

— Avner VilanAvner Vilan raised concerns about the absence of supervision mechanisms in the agreement regarding Iran's nuclear activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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