President issues final warning to Iran

President Obama has given what could be Iran's final warning to dismantle its nuclear program before more action is taken against it. During his speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, Obama made several references to Iran and its attempt to possess nuclear weapons. The president said that the U.S. would do what it must to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions. These statements come from the president after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's tacit warning to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, against using provocative language when he addresses the General Assembly on Wednesday. The warning from Obama could be the final one given to the belligerent country before some kind of action is taken. It should be noted that Obama used similar but slightly stronger language in his warning to Iran as that of the secretary-general, who cautioned of "potential harmful consequences" for Iran if it continues on its present course. In his speech, the president made it clear that Iran does not have an unlimited time to comply. Obama also expressed a firm desire for a secure Israel although he did not, as Benjamin Netanyahu wanted, draw a "red line" for Iran to cross. In light of the current crisis, with Iran reportedly mere months from fielding a weapon, that makes this particular warning even more ominous. Based on the content of the president's warning to Iran, he has implied but not stated that action may come at any time. As some may recall, President Bush made similar statements before the U.S. invaded Iraq. Whether it is in the form of covert operations geared at sabotage or a direct attack, the implication is clear; the U.S. is prepared to destroy Iran's ability to build a nuclear weapon. And now, after continuous rejection of any plan to strike Iran, the president has finally come as close to saying the U.S. would intervene militarily than ever before. It is possible that the president is waiting for the Iranian response to the naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz and/or to see if Ahmadinejad will exercise good sense and utilize his time before the General Assembly to properly present a compelling reason for Iran to be allowed to continue its nuclear program. Ahmadinejad has used these chances on every occasion to spew anti-Semitic and anti-American rhetoric. Hopefully, Ahmadinejad will recognize when he is being shown some grace this time and see this is a critical juncture and refrain from his hate-filled rants. Otherwise, this could end up being his last speech before the Reapers and the assembled warships begin to rain destruction upon his country. For some reason it seems like Iran's time may be about to expire real soon.