Iran: The Time for Waiting Is Over

It is a threat we can no longer afford to ignore.

The growing threats and actions of the nation of Iran - focused on developing nuclear weapons and continuing to lashout at the United States, the West - and especially Israel.

As Iran continues to develop its nuclear weapons arsenal, there are growing threats from that nation.  A top Iranian cleric is promising to "blow up the heart of Israel" if Iran is attacked.   And in the past few days, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the Islamic republic is more determined than ever to pursue its nuclear program.

This from Ahmadinejad:  "You (world powers) can cut your own throat, jump up or down, issue statements and declarations and pass resolutions... but don't think you can stop the progress and building of the Iranian nation.  The more overt your animosity towards us, the more determined the Iranian nation will be to go forward."
 
This is a nation that cannot go unchecked.  One of the most effective ways of dealing with this dangerous nation is to impose real, crippling sanctions - meaningful sanctions against Iran.

While there has been increasing talk of imposing those sanctions, what's troubling is President Obama's lack of action on this criticial matter.  Both the House and Senate have approved their versions of sanctions - all that's needed is to work out the differences and have President Obama sign off.  But, that's not happening. 

In fact, there are new reports that the Obama Administration is actually dragging its feet - delaying final Congressional action - while it continues to negotiate with members of the United Nations over sanctions against Iran.  You can read more about that here. 

In fact, the issue of Iran and its nuclear program is not even on the upcoming agenda for April at the United Nations Security Council.  According to one news report:  Japans Yukio Takasu, this months president of the 15-member council, said no meeting had been scheduled because it was not yet clear "when this might be taken up. It may not be taken up."

It's time for the United States to show real leadership in this area.  We can't wait for UN concensus on sanctioning Iraq.  It's time for America to take the action necessary against Iran before it becomes too late.  Iran isn't waiting to develop its nuclear arsenal.  In fact, the head of Iran's atomic energy agency said that Tehran is now planning to establish two more facilities for uranium enrichment.

The time for waiting is over.  It's time to impose true sanctions that will make a difference.  We can no longer afford to put Iran and its fast-developing nuclear program on the sideline - waiting to develop more international support to sanction this nation.

President Obama must show leadership and act now.  Please add your name to this letter urging the President to take immediate action - Sanction Iran Now!