Not according to The Economist, which states below an article headline,"Neither Iran's election, nor sanctions nor military threats are likely to divert it from the path it is on to getting nuclear weapons" ("Iran's Nuclear Programme: Breakout Beckons," June 22, 2013, emphasis added throughout).

The same magazine stated in its lead editorial: "A friendlier president becomes a trap as well as an opportunity. He may offer the chance of building better relations through engagement and the gradual lifting of sanctions. But Iran could take advantage of this inevitably slow process to build a weapon" ("Persian Power: Can Iran Be Stopped?" June 22).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking about the Iranian President-elect Hassan Rouhani, stated: "His strategy is be a wolf in sheep's clothing. Smile and build a bomb" (Face the Nation, CBS News, July 14).

The Times of London reported, "A huge new underground labyrinth uncovered by Iranian dissidents is being scrutinised by British and other Western intelligence agencies to determine whether it could be used for nuclear enrichment" ("Alarm Over Iran's New Underground Complex," July 12). Also this site (confirmed by German intelligence as well) has been watched by the British government for some time to determine whether it could be used for nuclear enrichment. It has been judged "unlikely to be innocent" (ibid.).

Meanwhile Israel casts a wary eye over most of its neighbors. There are even reports that Saudi Arabia is aiming missiles at both Iran and Israel ("Desert Missile Base Is Aiming at Iran and Israel, Say Analysts," The Times, July 11). The new talks between Israel and the Palestinians are taking place in the shadow of a Middle East apparently headed towards Armageddon.

You need to gain an insightful historic and prophetic perspective of this critical area of the globe. To understand the vital background to today's events, read the informative Bible study aid The Middle East in Bible Prophecy (Sources: CBS News, The Economist, The Times [London].)