In the shadow of a White House denial of a New York Times report that the United States and Iran are planning to enter into a dialogue surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program, retired Mossad Chief Ephraim Halevy is calling on Western nations to do just that.

The 78-year-old intelligence community expert told the Al-Monitor Website “The Iranians, in their heart of hearts, would like to get out of their conundrum. The sanctions have been very effective. They are beginning to really hurt.”

Halevy feels that dialogue with one’s enemy is essential, aware of the theory that entering into a dialogue is an act of legitimacy according to some, but he feels not entering into dialogue does not de-legitimize them. He feels such a policy has resulted in “a disadvantage with our enemies”, using Hamas as an example, adding that the policies of the United States and Israel vis-à-vis Hamas have left us “with our hands tied”.

The retired Mossad chief feels we must ignore the rhetoric, explaining Iran was pressured to bring Tehran to the negotiating table yet there is no dialogue.

Commenting on the American presidential candidates, Halevy stated “What Romney is doing is mortally destroying any chance of a resolution without war.”

“Obama does think there is still room for negotiations. It’s a very courageous thing to say in this atmosphere.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)