Part 9/16:
Ben Taliblau emphasizes that for any genuine agreement to be effective, Iran must demonstrate full transparency, allowing unfettered inspections that can conclusively verify the absence of weaponization. Until then, the threat of covert facilities and concealed enrichment persists as a significant obstacle.
The Broader Geopolitical Context
The strategic calculus extends beyond the US and Iran to global powers like China and Russia. China, in particular, reacts strongly to US missile defense advancements, accusing Washington of weaponizing space. However, China and Russia are actively developing countermeasures, including anti-satellite systems capable of degrading US space assets and targeting military satellites integral to command, control, communications, and nuclear deterrence.