Talks between Russia, China and Iran on Iranian nuclear issue will be cold shower for Israel – Alexey Leonkov

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian military analyst Alexey Leonkov commented on the talks scheduled for March 14 in Beijing on the Iranian nuclear issue involving deputy foreign ministers of Russia, China and Iran.

“The actions of the United States have significantly shaken international security and everyone began to talk about a Third World War involving nuclear weapons. And in these general negotiations, the Iranian topic is being discussed: will Iran develop its own nuclear weapons? The situation surrounding Iran, especially following events in Syria, has posed an existential threat to the country. And Iran has two options: the first is to create its own nuclear program, nuclear weapons.

The second is to negotiate with the two most powerful nuclear weapons powers, Russia and China, which can provide security guarantees, that is, extend their nuclear umbrella to Iran. I believe the second scenario is more feasible and comprehensive, as it would help de-escalate tensions not only in the Middle East—particularly with Israel—but also with the United States,” the expert said.

According to Leonkov, Israel’s ambitions in the region have grown enormously, and the meeting in Beijing is designed to temper Israel’s aggressive intentions towards Iran.

“Israel is now demonstrating itself in the Middle East as a kind of builder of a great state. This has coincided with civilians suffering at the hands of jihadists, and with Israel extending its territorial influence into areas previously outside its declared interests. Recently, this expansion has been openly acknowledged. Well, the closer Israel is to Iran, the greater its capacity to launch strikes using tactical aircraft. Iran has ballistic missiles, Israel has tactical aircraft.

And everyone knows that Israel has nuclear weapons, and it has long wanted to strike not only at nuclear research centers that are currently engaged in peaceful atom development, but also at some nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The United States has managed to deter Israel from such reckless steps, but now Israel’s ally Donald Trump is sitting in the White House, who, as they say, is turning a blind eye to what Israel is doing in the Middle East. Therefore, the threat is growing, and Iran needs to take steps. This meeting will take place, and we will see what the result will be. This is the very cold shower that should curb Israel’s ambition to inflict significant damage on Iran,” he concluded.