Iran Attack 'Unavoidable'

On June 6, 2008, Israeli Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz said an attack on Iran would be "unavoidable" if the country does not halt its program for developing nuclear weapons.

Shortly after word broke of Mofaz's strong statement, oil prices began climbing into record territory: up $11 a barrel to close above $138.¹

Fast Facts

1. Mofaz remarks made on June 6, 2008
2. Mofaz says "sanctions are not effective"²
3. Oil prices surged after Mofaz's statement
4. Olmert spokesman says "all options must remain on the table"³
5. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with President George W. Bush on June 4, 2008, to talk about Iran
6. 1981: Israel destroyed Iranian nuclear reactor

Tougher Sanctions

On June 3, 2008, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed his desire to see international sanctions on Iran stepped up. Olmert told the bipartisan pro-Israeli lobbying group AIPAC that the Iranian threat "must be stopped by all possible means."⁴

Quotes

"If Iran continues its program to develop nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The window of opportunity has closed. The sanctions are not effective. There will be no alternative but to attack Iran in order to stop the Iranian nuclear program."—Shaul Mofaz²

"Israel and the United States have long understood the acute danger embodied in a nuclear Iran, and are working closely in a concerted, coordinated effort to prevent Iran from becoming nuclear. Israel will not tolerate the possibility of a nuclear Iran, and neither should any other country in the free world."—Ehud Olmert²

"The return of the Iranian risk premium calls for a careful assessment of the potential oil supply impact of military strikes on Iran. (The) comments bring home the point that the dispute over Iran's nuclear program remains unresolved and that the risks of military confrontation are indeed increasing."—Antoine Halff, energy analyst¹

Categories