To the Editor:

"Preventing a Nuclear Iran, Peacefully," by Shibley Telhami and Steven Kull (Op-Ed, Jan. 16), is a counterproductive exercise that if taken seriously would increase rather than decrease the chances of military conflict.

The two ingredients that are most likely to deter Iran from going nuclear are immediate harsh sanctions aimed at the Iranian central bank and its oil sales, and the real threat of a military attack if Iran persists.

Any path that leads Iranian leaders to think they can delay or divert such options will encourage them to move forward with their nuclear program. The notion that discussions of a nuclear-free Mideast, a worthy goal in principle, can be accomplished in a short enough time to change Iran's course is an illusion.

Moreover, there is no evidence that Iran is interested in such an achievement since Iranian leaders seem motivated toward achieving regional dominance through a nuclear capability.

The more Iran believes that the world is not truly committed to stopping it from going nuclear, the more likely that it will move forward. And it is that scenario that is most frightening and is the one that will generate the highest likelihood for military confrontation between the West and the Islamic republic.