Ahead of Hearings, Hagel Commits To Preventing Iranian Nukes
In answers prepared for his Senate hearings, Chuck Hagel says he is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, even if this means military action.
“With the ever present threat of Iran, the next Secretary of Defense must be vigilant in pursuing the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and must maintain our unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security,” Hagel says in outlining his priorities at the outset of a 112-page question and answer preparatory paper released Wednesday through one of his key advocates, Steve Clemons, a writer at The Atlantic.
Hagel is set to face the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday.
Asked if he agrees with President Obama that all options are on the table when it comes to Iran, Hagel says: “I agree with the President that the United States should take no options off the table in our efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. If confirmed, I will focus intently on ensuring that U.S. military is in fact prepared for any contingency.”
Hagel has come under fire from some Republicans and conservatives for his past skepticism of the efficacy of Iran sanctions and his wariness of a military strike.
In the prep document released by Clemons, Hagel endorses Obama’s sanctions regime.
He also praises U.S.-Israel defense cooperation and said said he would work to expand missile defense cooperation with Israel.
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.
If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
