Following much anticipation and commentary, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, delivered his address to a joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. He argued that the P5+1 nuclear negotiators are being duped into a “very bad deal” with Iran, and that, coupled with the Islamic Republic’s misbehavior and untrustworthiness, the deal threatens the long-term existence of Israel.

It is important to note that Mr. Netanyahu did not call for an end to the negotiations and did not threaten attack on Iran. He even dismissed the argument that a collapse of the current negotiations will lead to a war. Indeed, Mr. Netanyahu’s speech more than anything reflected his desire to play “bad cop” as the Obama Administration negotiates for more concessions from Iran.

The American Iranian Council understands Mr. Netanyahu’s concern but disagrees with his coercive approach—which has proven to be counterproductive. In truth, Israel, Iran, the United States, regional players, and others do have legitimate security, energy, proliferation and regional stability concerns, and that these must be addressed in any sustainable nuclear deal.