UNSG Ban Ki-moon reacted to IAEA Report that highlights the military potential of Iran’s ongoing nuclear program. According to UNSG spokesperson, the “Secretary General notes with serious concern information that indicates Iran has carried out activities that points to a possible military dimension to its nuclear program and he emphasizes again that the onus is on Iran to prove the nature of its nuclear program. He reiterates his call for Iran’s compliance with all the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency.” Iran has effectively denied the Report’s validity questioning it on numerous grounds including professionalism, bias and political agenda of member states as the United States. (See Film Report: “Iran Nuclear Program” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/iran-nuclear-program/25323). The IAEA Report has also been forwarded to the UN Security Council. However, it is not clear whether the Council has either the votes or means to apply further sanctions upon Iran. The Palestinian membership debate has left the US vulnerable among a large block of states, Arab and not. Further, while many/most Arab states may be mistrustful of Iran’s agenda, they are also weary of being seen as siding with Israel and Washington at this time. From Syria to the Palestinian issue, the focus had fallen away from Iran’s nuclear program. Finally, it is not evident to what extent the sanctions imposed are having a deterent effect on Iran’s nuclear ambition or perhaps are counterproductive in terms of promoting an alternative to the current Iran regime. (Read: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-sanctions-on-iranhaving-effect-on-nuclear-conernshuman-rights-considerations/16922). Potential unilateral military action by Israel against Iran is a potential threat. Washington perhaps could use it as leverage in pursuing a diplomatic/sanctions based approach on Iran. However, this could also backfire if Israel carries through on its military actions – it is not likely to be even marginally effective in its objective of stopping Iran’s nuclear program while drawing attention back upon Israel’s own record and particularly own secret nuclear military arsenal. The argument consistently put forward is why not a “nuclear free program for all of Middle East?” (Read: “Nuclear Free Middle East Zone Talks” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/nuclear-free-middle-east-zone-talks-by-ambassador-mo/36319). The options are limited and as UNSG asserts: “a negotiated rather than a military solution is the only way to resolve this issue.” By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX "WarCrimesJustice" Channel diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice