TEHRAN-TABNAK, Feb 4– Professor Frank N. von Hippel, former assistant director for national security in the White House Office of Science and Technology, believes that Trump says he is against war but Netanyahu wants it.
“Trump Administration appears to be acting on impulse, not policy. It is difficult to predict what it will do,” Professor Frank N. von Hippel told TABNAK News Agency.
Following is the text of the TABNAK interview with Professor Frank N. von Hippel.
Q: In his positions on Iran's nuclear program, President Trump has emphasized that he wants to talk to Iran. On the other hand, he has threatened a military attack if the talks fail. Will we see the talks begin soon?
A: I hope for diplomacy not war. I know that President Pezeshkian wants that. President Trump is less predictable.
Q: It seems that President Trump wants to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiations so that he can focus on containing China. What is your assessment?
A: I think you are describing President Biden’s policy. Right now President Trump is striking indiscriminately at allies as well as adversaries.
Q: Do you think that if President Trump makes an agreement with Iran, the US Congress, where his opponents are present, will support this agreement and not create obstacles?
A: Yes. The Republicans would follow President Trump. The majority of the Democrats prefer diplomacy to war.
Q: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said before his trip to the United States that he will pursue a “peace through strength” approach to stability in the region. This strategy has been put forward by President Trump and his team (Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense). How will this policy be pursued in the region, and especially with regard to Iran?
A: Right now, the Trump Administration appears to be acting on impulse, not policy. It is difficult to predict what it will do.
Q: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has traveled to the United States and will also meet with US President Donald Trump. What do you think the outcome of this meeting will be regarding Iran?
A: It is difficult to say. Trump says he is against war. That is not the case with Netanyahu.
