A harmless warning shot to the desert — in the form of a nuclear missile — is the United States' only hope of persuading Iran to halt its nuclear program, says billionaire casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. If that doesn't work, he said, another missile should be sent to annihilate Tehran.
During a panel discussion Tuesday at Yeshiva University entitled "Will Jews Exist? Iran, Assimilation and the Threat to Israel and Jewish Survival," Adelson, a staunch conservative and supporter of Israel, said there is no negotiating with Iran. The country needs to know the United States has a zero-tolerance policy.
Currently, he said, the United States is showing weakness in its ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning economic sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach hosted the panel, which included Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens and Yeshiva University President Richard Joel. Adelson’s remarks elicited applause from the audience.
Adelson advised the United States to be clear with Iran about what will happen if the Iranians stay on their current course:
"We mean business. You want to be wiped out? Go ahead and take a tough position and continue with nuclear development."
If Iran stops its nuclear development program, the United States could guarantee the country would be permitted to have a nuclear power plant for energy purposes, he said.
Until then, Adelson said, the United States' diplomatic negotiations are nothing but a "game of chicken" tantamount to trying to negotiate a peace treaty with the Palestinians.
Forbes lists Adelson, 80, as the world’s 15th-richest person, with a net worth of $28.5 billion.
The largest donor to the Republican party, Adelson is chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. His numerous holdings include an Israeli daily newspaper.