According to a New York Times report, in a secret memo released by US Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in January, the White House does not have a long term plan to halt Iran’s nuclear program. In the memo sent to National Security Advisor James Jones, a military option is also addressed as an option to failed diplomatic efforts.

According to the report, quoting senior officials willing to speak on the condition of anonymity, the memo was a “wake up call” for the White House. Gates declined comment on the memo last week, telling reporters the administration will do what it promised to do, stating that while a plan is not announced publicly, one should not take this to mean there isn’t an operational strategy. Officials are quoted as saying there is a red line which Iran will not be permitted to cross.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)