Threats of force unhelpful to solving Iran nuclear issue

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report released Tuesday that "credible" evidence shows that Iran has engaged in efforts relevant to the development of atomic weapons, expressing serious concerns that Iran's nuclear program might have military purposes. This was the clearest statement the IAEA has made so far about whether Iran was conducting nuclear programs for military purposes. Tehran set its face against the allegation, accusing the United States of using the IAEA as a tool to pressure Iran over its "peaceful" nuclear program. Iran warned that "military adventurism" or any act of aggression against the Islamic republic would be met with a swift and crushing response. Iran's strong stand was not only a response to the IAEA, but to Israel, whose President Shimon Peres said ahead of the report that a military option to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons was nearer. At this tumultuous moment, threats of force will not help achieve peace and stability in the volatile Middle East, and instead may sharpen confrontations. Any military action could be a disaster for the region. Military intervention has been repeatedly proven to be the worst way to solve disputes between different countries, and the best way to destroy peaceful efforts. As Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, any military strike against Iran would be a serious mistake fraught with unpredictable consequences. The only way to solve the issue is to resume talks between Iran and the six world powers, including the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany. Just as some analysts have warned, if Iran is targeted militarily, the already jumbled Middle East situation would become even harder to tackle, akin to pouring oil on the flames. On the other hand, another costly war also won't benefit the United States and its allies, especially when the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan has not been as satisfying as the Americans had hoped. Even the United States and Israel themselves can't reach a consensus supported by their own peoples on a military move. Some American conservative military experts warned that the consequences of an attack would be serious and could lead to unpredictable circumstances. As a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran should fulfil its relevant international obligations and be more flexible and sincere when cooperating with the IAEA. A peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue serves the common interests of the Middle East and the international community at large. It is important to avoid fresh turmoils in the Middle East. Relevant parties and the world community should make joint efforts for that purpose.