(Adam kredo-WashingtonJewishWeek).Iran poses the greatest challenge in the Middle East, according to a joint statement issued this afternoon by Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon.
Following a meeting between State Department officials and representatives of the Israeli government, a joint statement was released:
"U.S. and Israeli delegations, headed by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon, met today in Washington to continue the semi-annual U.S.-Israel Strategic Dialogue. The Strategic Dialogue is an opportunity for the United States and Israel to discuss at a senior level the issues that affect our mutual security and partnership.
While today's Strategic Dialogue covered many subjects, it is clear that Iran is the greatest challenge we face today in the Middle East. Iran's continued noncompliance with its international obligations related to its nuclear program, as well as its continued support for terrorist organizations, are of grave concern to our two countries and the entire international community. Continued efforts by the international community are critical to bringing about change in Iranian behavior and preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability."