Israel Space Program Chief, Maj. Gen. (res.) Prof. Yitzchak Ben-Yisrael, believes that a statement by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Wednesday shows that he understands that his country must back down from its hardline stand on its nuclear program. Speaking on Arutz Sheva 's Hebrew service, Ben-Yisrael was asked what caused Ahmadinejad to say that his country is ready to send its enriched uranium abroad for further enrichment, as required to do in a deal offered by western powers. Ahmadinejad told state TV that Iran would have "no problem" if most of its stock was taken out of the country and held for several months before being returned as fuel rods. Ben-Yisrael – a two-time Israel Security Prize winner – said that Iran is starting to feel the pressure, as the US removes all obstacles toward effective sanctions against it. “I imagine that Ahmadinejad thinks that if he says something like this, he will get a few months' respite, but as I understand the American side which is leading the West in this matter – they will not let him off the hook,” he said. The United States, said Ben-Yisrael, has made several moves that have placed Iran in a corner. It has enlisted India's support for its moves against Iran by signing agreements with India that recognize it as a nuclear power. As for Russia – the US has brought it on board its Iranian sanctions train by agreeing several months ago to scrap plans for a missile shield in eastern Europe. With regard to China, the United States adopted a “stick” after the “carrot” approach failed: the US said it would arm China's nemesis Taiwan and President Barack Obama met Tibetan leader Dalai Lama – two moves that caused great consternation in China. As a result, he said, there is a good chance that the Chinese will also understand that “they must give something.” Ben-Yisrael added that Israel should not become complacent following Ahmadinejad's statement. “I hope that it is business as usual with us and that we continue to prepare for truly confronting Iran's nuclear program.”
