Amid continued reports of Israeli preparations to attack Iran, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, recently set 2013 as the deadline for resolution. The United States has asked Israel for patience.

Retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant General Gregory Newbold said many retired senior members of the U.S. military think politicians are too quick to advocate the military option.

“There is a lot of concern on this matter that has become an emotional, almost personal issue within members of the political class and without an informed understanding of consequences of military action, we may pay a price that is disproportionate to what we are trying to achieve,” he said.

The White House says it is not pursuing regime change in Iran. It says its main goal is to make sure there will not be any military dimension to Iran’s nuclear program.

Diplomats from major world powers are expected to soon set a date and venue for another meeting with Iran.

Shaul Bakhash, a history professor at George Mason University, said Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will not compromise without Western concessions.

“Khamenei will not give up enrichment, surrender its fuel stocks enriched to 20 percent level, allow more intrusive inspections and close down the Fordo enrichment facility without concessions from the U.S. that he can present as a great victory for Iran,” he said.