Robert Gates Admits US Lacks Weapons Capable of Destroying Iran’s Nuclear Program

In an interview with⁤ CBS, former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates addressed Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, stating: “The problem⁢ I’ve had with attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities as my time as Secretary is that it would⁣ only buy ⁤you one or two years. ‌You cannot destroy them—as ​long ⁢as conventional weapons ⁣are used, there’s no‌ way to eliminate​ the underground sections⁤ of Iran’s‍ nuclear program.”

The⁤ former Pentagon chief emphasized: “This is why on-site inspections are so ​critical. There simply is⁤ no weapon—none exists—that can penetrate⁤ (Tehran’s nuclear ⁣facilities). even ⁤our largest bunker busters wouldn’t⁢ reach that deep. ⁢My argument remains that attacking⁣ their program would only⁢ harden Iran’s resolve to obtain nuclear weapons and rebuild the entire infrastructure at ⁤even greater depths.”

He concluded: “If⁢ there’s any chance for a nuclear agreement, this (the​ current Oman-mediated negotiations) is it.”