Israel’s ambassador to the US, Michael Leiter, outlined an approach for a “transitional government period” in Iran in “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”.
“What we are hoping is that we will move into a period of a transitional government where the minorities will come together, where the majority will come together, and all the different opposition parties will come together for a transitional government where they can leave the country for a year or two – with the guidance of the United States and Israel and other regional allies who will no longer live in fear of being hit by ballistic missiles – and then move into a mode of democratic process,” Leiter said. Said. “Let the people choose.”
Asked by host Margaret Brennan about the possibility that the change he described would take a long time and go beyond a limited military campaign, Leiter said, “It’s not Iraq or Afghanistan, because in that case, 80% of the people oppose the regime.” He argued that “they just need the ability to express themselves – that’s what we’re emphasising here.”
“This is not a repeat of the forever wars,” Leiter said. “They have to keep their boots on the ground, and they’re starting to be motivated and feel like they’re going to be able to get it done. They’re starting to move forward; it’s just going to take a little more time to establish stability and ensure that the political process includes all voices, particularly those of minorities. There’s no long-term gain without some minimal pain.”
The ambassador said they want a “united Iran”, underscoring that “we want to empower minorities to have a say in the political process”.
“So it’s not a matter of supporting this particular minority or another; it’s a matter of supporting all minorities,” Leiter said. “We are encouraging them to unite, to come together, to unite.”
“We can help them come together and stand up and say, ‘We’re taking our country back,'” the ambassador said.
Leiter stated, “After all, that is the ultimate goal.”
