FLC
'As we have reported for a number of years, possible US military action against Iran has been the subject of periodic intense speculation in Washington. In an interview for Israeli television in preparation for his trip to Israel next week, President Obama restated his commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, but set out his belief that, with this at least a year away, diplomacy and sanctions can be allowed to take their course. In our private exchanges with US officials, they acknowledge that they expect Prime Minister Netanyahu to make the case for a much shorter timetable. They are, however, doubtful that he has the evidence to persuade Obama to change his mind and remain quietly confident that they will be able to restrain Israeli unilateral action. Barring an unexpected development, therefore, we view military action in 2013 as unlikely. On the Middle East peace process, expectations for the visit are very low. ..'