LinkedIn on Monday, April 27, 2026

We should take it provided that they agree to begin discussions of nuclear weapons development soon, let’s say within 90 days.  That those discussions include Israel, which already has nuclear weapons, and other Middle East nations.  And that those talks encompass Iran’s (and Lebanon’s) continuing tolerance and support for terrorism.

About nuclear weapons development, put yourself in Iran’s position.  Under no circumstances would you give up your right to develop nuclear weapons while Israel is allowed to have its own nuclear bombs and warheads.

Without question, Congress needs to get involved, making sure that it has the right to make sure that the team negotiating for the United States consist of our most experienced negotiators as well as nuclear engineering and weapons experts.  Kushner and Witkoff are out on the grounds of conflicts of interest in Kushner’s case and general incompetence.

That said, Israel is the key.  Israel needs to be willing to give up its nuclear weapons.  For both humane and political reasons, it’s the right thing to do.  And because, as a practical matter, just using nuclear weapons on its next-door neighbors could very well – depending, literally, upon which way the wind blows – be harmful to the health of its own people.  Politically, militarily, economically and physically, use of its nuclear weapons would be suicidal.

How do we overcome Israel’s reluctance to participate.  Have Congress threaten to cut them off financially if Israel doesn’t.  No more weapons support, not even parts.  No more shared intelligence.  No more any and everything.  They got us into this war.  Time for them to get us out of it and to work, unselfishly and non-violently, toward a lasting peace in the Middle East.

The prominence and influence of Jewish Americans can’t be a factor.  Israel, certainly not under the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu, has not been a good friend to the United States.  From Israel’s point of view, the cure to terrorism and the direct threat of its neighboring countries, Iran included, is not killing everyone who doesn’t like you.  (Sounds more than a little Trumpian, doesn’t it?)  The solution is now and always has been commonsense peace and mutual, interdependent economic development.