Original Source
Former IAEA Chief ElBaradei Expresses 'Dismay' Over Trump's Iran Remarks, Cites Iraq War Parallels
Warning of Similarities to Iraq War
Dr Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed profound concern regarding a potential war against Iran in the Middle East, drawing strong comparisons to the US-led Iraq War in 2003. He pointed out that despite the absence of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons programs in Iraq at the time, the Bush administration utilized deceptive briefings to justify the war. ElBaradei emphasized, “We were on the ground and didn't see any nuclear, chemical, or biological weapon program,” highlighting the perceived similarities with the current situation concerning Iran.
Analysis of Trump's Statements and Implications
ElBaradei stated he was 'depressed' by Donald Trump's recent declaration that Iran is "two weeks away from a nuclear weapon." He warned that such claims could serve as a false pretext for military intervention, akin to the scenario in Iraq. ElBaradei asserted that "innocent civilians will die," echoing the human cost of the Iraq conflict. He criticized the ambiguity surrounding the objectives of a potential war, noting various shifting justifications such as regime change, human rights issues, and Iran's missile program. ElBaradei concluded that any war predicated on the nuclear issue would be 'bogus' and 'illegal.'
*Source: YouTube: Middle East Eye (2026-03-18)*
